U.S. Apple Watch Import Ban: What's on the Horizon?

What's Buzzing?

Image source News18 on Google

• A ban on importing certain Apple Watches to the US has been put in place due to a complaint by Masimo, a medical technology company, claiming patent breaking related to blood-oxygen level monitoring.

• The ban affects specific models—Series 9 and Ultra 2—while the lower-priced Apple Watch SE without pulse-oximetry capabilities remains on sale.

• Masimo blames Apple for taking its technology and hiring its employees after discussing collaboration.

Impact on Sales:

GIF source Gifer on Google

• Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches paused sales before the December 25th deadline. However, other retailers may still sell the Apple Watch Series 9 despite the ban.

• The ban applies specifically to Apple and its related companies but might not affect other retailers selling Apple Watches.

Next Steps:

• Apple plans to appeal the ban and is reportedly working on software changes to comply with the patents, but Masimo claims their patents cover hardware, not fixable with software changes.

• Masimo's CEO has expressed willingness to settle the dispute.

Key Takeaway:

• The ban affects certain Apple Watch models due to a legal dispute, impacting Apple's sales in the US. However, other retailers may still sell the affected models, and Apple is working on solutions and appealing the decision.