Apple is due to pull its Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watch models from US stores this Christmas. With the unusual ‘sales interruption’, the company is responding to an import ban from the trade authority, which will take effect from December 26.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, which were presented just a few weeks ago, will no longer be available for purchase in Apple’s online shop from December 21, and will no longer be available for purchase in Apple’s own stores after December 24. The Apple Watch SE and other markets, such as Europe, are not affected.
Controversy over technology for measuring blood oxygen saturation
The reason for this is a ruling by the United States International Trade Commission: at the end of October it decided that the tech giant had violated the patents of the medical device manufacturer Masimo. This involves techniques for measuring oxygen saturation in the blood at the wrist. A “Limited Exclusion Order” was imposed, banning the import of new watches into the US from December 26. This virtually prevents sales as the watches are assembled in Asia. The Apple Watch SE does not suffer from this, because it cannot measure oxygen saturation in the blood.
Negotiations on cooperation broke down
Measuring blood oxygen saturation with the Apple Watch has been possible since the Series 6. Masimo already sued Apple for this issue in 2020. In the past, the two companies had even negotiated a partnership, but then Apple broke off talks in 2013 and poached two key employees from the medical device maker. Masimo claims they exposed trade secrets. Apple denies this claim.
US President Joe Biden could still prevent the sales stop: he can overturn the authority’s decision with his veto until December 25. However, Apple is already taking precautions for the worst possible scenario. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple is looking for ways to continue making the watches available to customers.
Another solution would be an agreement with Masimo, which will most likely require high license payments, a technical change to the metering function or a judicial revocation of the order.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
