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Remember that recent news about Apple Watches being banned in the US? It's been a wild ride, with twists and turns that left many scratching their heads.
So, let's break it down and get you up to speed on everything you need to know about the Apple Watch ban, as of today, December 28, 2023.
Apple Watch Ban: What happened?
In October 2023, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple's blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor technology in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 infringed on patents held by medical device company Masimo. This led to an import ban on these two models, effectively pulling them from shelves in the US.
Why was it banned?
Masimo claimed that Apple's SpO2 sensor technology was too similar to their own patented technology. The ITC agreed, finding that Apple had violated Masimo's intellectual property rights.
What did Apple do?
Apple stopped selling the affected Watch models in the US and appealed the ITC decision. They also filed an emergency request with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to pause the ban temporarily.
What happened next?
On December 26, 2023, the US President, Joe Biden administration declined to veto the ITC ban, meaning it would go into effect.
But just when things seemed bleak for Apple fans, the US Court of Appeals stepped in on December 27th.
The latest twist: A temporary stay
However, the good news is that the court granted Apple's request for a temporary stay of the import ban. This means that Apple can resume selling the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US, at least for now.
What does this mean for you?
If you're in the US and were hoping to buy one of the banned Watch models, you're in luck! You can now find them in Apple stores and online again.
However, it's important to note that this is just a reprieve.
The legal battle between Apple and Masimo is ongoing, and the future of these Watch models in the US is still uncertain.
What to watch out for:
- The US Court of Appeals will hear Apple's full appeal of the ITC decision in the coming months. The outcome of this case will ultimately determine whether the import ban is reinstated.
- Apple may also change the SpO2 sensor technology in future Watch models to avoid infringing on Masimo's patents.
Stay tuned!
The Apple Watch ban saga is far from over. We'll keep you updated on any new developments as they unfold. In the meantime, you can breathe a sigh of relief and head to your nearest Apple store to snag that Watch you've been eyeing.
