Apple, the tech giant known for sleek design and smooth innovation, has hit an unexpected bump in the road. Sales of its latest flagship wearables, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, have come to a screeching halt in the United States. But why? Buckle up, because it’s a tale of patents, lawsuits, and a potential impact on your wrist.
The culprit behind this sales freeze is a long-standing patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo. Masimo claims that Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring technology in the Series 9 and Ultra 2 infringes on its own patented technology. In January, a US judge sided with Masimo, and the case escalated to the US International Trade Commission (ITC).
In October, the ITC delivered a blow to Apple, upholding the judge’s decision and issuing an import ban on the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This meant Apple couldn’t bring any new watches into the US, effectively halting sales.
Apple, not known for backing down easily, has taken a proactive approach. They’ve stopped online sales of the affected watches and plan to halt retail sales by December 24th, ahead of the ITC’s import ban deadline. This pre-emptive move allows Apple to potentially avoid hefty fines and further complications.
If you’re in the US and had your heart set on a Series 9 or Ultra 2, you’re out of luck for now. Existing owners can still use their watches, but the sales freeze could create a supply shortage and drive up prices in the secondary market.
The fate of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 hangs in the balance. President Biden has 60 days to review the ITC’s decision, and he could overturn it. Apple is also pursuing legal options to challenge the patent claims. Until then, the future of these popular watches remains uncertain.
So, what’s the takeaway? This saga is a reminder that even tech giants like Apple can face unforeseen challenges. It also highlights the importance of intellectual property and its impact on innovation and consumer choice. As the story unfolds, keep your eyes peeled for updates on this tech tussle and its potential ripple effects on the smartwatch market.