Apple Halts Sale of New Watch Models in the USA
The Patent Dispute with Masimo and Apple's Battle for the US Market

In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced that it will temporarily halt the sale of its latest Apple Watch models in the United States. This move comes in response to a lost patent lawsuit against the renowned medical technology company Masimo. Starting from December 21, 2023, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be available through the company's US website, and after December 24, they will also disappear from Apple Stores in the USA.
The dispute between Apple and Masimo arose when the medical technology company successfully convinced the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to prohibit the import of the two watch models into the USA. The reason for this decision lies in Masimo's claim that Apple used a patented technology for measuring blood oxygen levels in the new models without the necessary license. US President Joe Biden has until December 25 to potentially override the ITC's decision with his veto.
However, Apple has already taken measures to ensure that its products continue to be available to consumers. The California-based company emphasized that it does not accept the ITC's decision and is exploring various options to offer the watches in the USA despite the import ban.
This unexpected development could raise concerns among both Apple enthusiasts and investors. The Apple Watch has become a crucial product for the company and plays a vital role in its ecosystem. The temporary halt of sales in the USA could impact Apple's revenues and stock price. Investors will eagerly watch how the company deals with this challenge and whether it can find a solution to reintroduce its coveted watches to the US market. In the meantime, those who were looking to purchase the latest Apple Watch models may need to put their plans on hold temporarily and monitor further developments in this case.
