Apple will suspend sales of new models of its smartwatch in the US after losing a patent case. Apple Watches must be removed from stores before the end of December.
Which models are affected?
Specifically, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be sold on the company’s US website starting December 21 and will no longer be sold in US stores after December 24.
Apple announced on Monday that this was a precautionary measure given that the review deadline expires in a week.
Why was this measure necessary?
Medical technology company Masimo is accusing Apple of using its patented technology to measure blood oxygen levels on its watches without a license.
In October, Masimo prevailed in proceedings before the US trade authority ITC, which banned the import of the affected Apple Watch models into the US.
What’s next?
US President Joe Biden has until December 25 to overturn the ITC’s decision with his veto. Apple is now taking precautions in case the import ban remains in effect.
At the same time, Apple reiterated that the company disagreed with the ITC’s decision and was exploring different ways to continue making the watches available to consumers.
(dsc/sda/awp/dpa)
Source: Watson
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
