The recent ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 has garnered significant attention, impacting both Apple and its consumers. The US Appeals Court’s decision to enforce the ban, effective January 18, 2024, stems from a patent dispute involving pulse oximetry technology, primarily used to measure blood-oxygen levels.
Key Highlights:
- Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 banned from sales in the US for including pulse oximetry technology.
- Ban effective as of 5:00 pm ET, January 18, 2024.
- Apple begins selling modified versions without the blood oxygen feature.
- US Appeals Court denied Apple’s request to pause the ban during appeal.
- Apple continues appeal process, expected to last over a year.
- US Customs rules modified Apple Watch designs do not infringe on Masimo patents.
Background of the Ban
In late 2023, the Biden Administration upheld the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) ruling, officially banning the sale of Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 in the United States. This decision followed Apple’s unsuccessful appeal for a pause on the ban and marked a significant turn in the ongoing legal battle between Apple and medical technology firm Masimo Corp.
Apple’s Response and Modifications
In response to the ruling, Apple halted the sale of the two models but soon began selling them without the disputed blood oxygen feature. This modification was a direct result of the US Customs and Border Protection ruling that Apple’s redesigned watches, lacking pulse oximetry features, fell outside the scope of the ITC’s ruling and thus did not infringe on Masimo patents.
Continued Sales and Appeal
While the modified Apple Watches are now available for sale, the original models with the blood oxygen feature remain banned. Apple continues to challenge the decision, with the appeal process expected to extend over a year. The outcome remains uncertain, and Apple’s ability to reintroduce the original features depends on the resolution of the patent dispute.
Impact on Consumers and the Market
The ban throws a wrench into Apple’s smartwatch plans and creates uncertainty for consumers looking to purchase the Series 9 or Ultra 2. While Apple has removed the watches from its online store, some retailers may still have limited stock available until it’s depleted. However, with no new imports allowed, the long-term availability of these models in the U.S. remains questionable.
This situation also carries broader implications for the smartwatch industry. If the ban stands, it could create a precedent for future patent disputes involving wearable technology. Additionally, it raises concerns about potential disruptions to Apple’s smartwatch roadmap, with future models potentially facing similar roadblocks if deemed to infringe on patents.
The Future Remains Unclear
Apple is likely to continue its legal fight against the ban, appealing to a higher court and potentially seeking further stays. However, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain, and it could take months or even years before a final resolution is reached. Until then, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 find themselves in a precarious position in the U.S. market, leaving consumers and the industry waiting with bated breath for the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 ban is a pivotal moment in tech patent disputes, highlighting the complexities and consequences of technological innovation and intellectual property rights. As Apple continues its appeal, the tech industry and consumers keenly await the outcome, which will likely have far-reaching implications for future product developments and legal practices in the sector.
