Apple has officially removed the Watch Series 9 from its online shop, adhering to the ongoing patent dispute that has led to a halt in sales of the flagship smartwatch.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 18: Apple watches are seen on display at the Apple Store in Grand Central Station on December 18, 2023 in New York City. Apple announced that it will halt the sale of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. as early as this week. The decision comes from an ongoing dispute with medical technology company Masimo over its blood oxygen feature.
Apple Watch Series 9 'Currently Unavailable'
According to TechCrunch, in line with its announcement earlier this week, Apple has replaced the "Buy" button on its product page with the words "Currently Unavailable."
This decision stemmed from a longstanding patent battle with health tech company Masimo. Despite facing setbacks in previous rulings, Apple's move to cease sales of the Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in response to the US International Trade Commission's (ITC) orders issued in October.
The ITC found Apple's blood oxygen sensor technology to infringe upon intellectual property owned by Masimo, a medical technology firm specializing in hospital services. Even as Apple lost in the patent dispute, the latest development has caught many by surprise due to its unprecedented nature.
The ITC rejected Apple's attempt to postpone the ban on certain Apple Watch imports, putting the tech giant on the verge of suspending sales for specific Apple Watch models in the US. The ban is set to take effect unless there is a last-minute intervention, potentially from the White House.
Will the Ban Be Lifted?
The ITC's dismissal of Apple's motion to stay the original decision pending appeal adds uncertainty to the situation. With the looming possibility of being barred from selling crucial products in its largest market, Apple faces challenges during the peak season for sales.
While existing stocks of previously imported Apple Watches can still be sold, halting sales for the latest models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, could impact Apple's revenue during the holiday season.
The company's decision to comply with ITC orders reflects the complex dynamics of intellectual property disputes within the tech industry. It is worth noting that President Joe Biden holds the authority to veto the ban, but his stance on the matter remains uncertain.
The White House, closely monitoring the situation, has emphasized that Ambassador Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, is evaluating all factors involved in the case.
As Apple awaits potential intervention to avert the ban, the outcome remains uncertain, with a deadline of December 25 looming large. The tech giant's compliance with the ITC orders underscores the legal challenges that major players face in the tech sector and the potential impact on their market presence.
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