Apple Watch Ban Lifted: How It Affects You

If you are a fan of Apple Watch products, you may have heard about the recent import ban that affected some of the latest models. The ban was imposed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in October 2023, after finding that the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 infringed on two patents held by Masimo, a medical technology company. The patents related to blood oxygen monitoring, a feature that both the affected models have. The ban was supposed to last until August 2028, unless President Biden intervened.

However, on December 28, 2023, Apple won a temporary reprieve, as a US appeals court paused the ITC ruling, allowing the resumption of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This means that you can now buy these models from Apple’s online store or retail locations, as well as from third-party retailers. But what does this mean for you as a consumer? How did the ban affect the features and benefits of the Apple Watch products, and what can you expect now? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

What is the Apple Watch ban?

The Apple Watch ban was a result of a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo, a company that specializes in non-invasive monitoring technologies for healthcare. Masimo claimed that Apple copied its technology and poached its employees to develop the blood oxygen sensor for the Apple Watch. The blood oxygen sensor measures the oxygen saturation of your blood, which can indicate your overall wellness and fitness levels, as well as detect potential health issues such as sleep apnea, asthma, or COVID-19.

The ITC found that the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which were released in September 2023, infringed on two of Masimo’s patents, and ordered Apple to stop importing and selling them in the US. The ban did not affect older models that also have the blood oxygen feature, such as the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE. Apple appealed the ITC ruling, and also asked President Biden to veto it, arguing that the ban would harm consumers, innovation, and public health.

How did the ban affect the features and benefits of the Apple Watch products?

The ban did not affect the functionality of the Apple Watch products that were already sold or owned by consumers. If you bought an Apple Watch Series 9 or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 before the ban, you could still use the blood oxygen feature and other features without any problem. However, the ban did affect the availability and accessibility of these models for potential buyers. Apple had to pull these models from its website and retail stores, and could not supply them to other retailers. This meant that you had fewer options to choose from if you wanted to buy a new Apple Watch, especially if you wanted the latest features and designs.

The ban also affected the perception and reputation of the Apple Watch products, as some consumers may have been deterred by the legal controversy or worried about the reliability of the blood oxygen feature. The ban may have also given an advantage to Apple’s competitors, such as Samsung, Fitbit, or Garmin, who offer similar or alternative smartwatch products that do not infringe on Masimo’s patents.

What can you expect now that the ban is lifted?

Now that the ban is lifted, you can expect to see the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 back on the market, both online and offline. You can also expect to see more promotions and discounts for these models, as Apple may try to boost its sales and regain its market share. You can also expect to see more updates and improvements for the blood oxygen feature and other features, as Apple may try to enhance its performance and accuracy.

However, the ban is not completely over yet. The US appeals court only paused the ITC ruling, pending further review. This means that the ban could be reinstated if the court decides to uphold the ITC ruling, or if President Biden does not veto it. The appeals process could take several months, or even years, to resolve. Therefore, you should be aware that the legal situation is still uncertain, and that the availability and functionality of the Apple Watch products could change in the future.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch ban was a significant setback for Apple, as it affected some of its newest and most popular smartwatch products. The ban was based on a patent dispute with Masimo, a medical technology company, over the blood oxygen feature of the Apple Watch. The ban limited the choices and benefits for consumers who wanted to buy or use an Apple Watch product. However, the ban was recently lifted by a US appeals court, allowing the resumption of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This means that you can now enjoy the features and benefits of these models, such as the blood oxygen monitoring, the fitness and health tracking, the connectivity and convenience, and the stylish design. However, you should also be aware that the ban is not completely over yet, and that the legal situation is still uncertain. Therefore, you should keep an eye on the news and updates regarding the Apple Watch ban, and make an informed decision when buying or using an Apple Watch product.