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Apple Watch Ban in the USA: What You Need to Know
The Apple Watch has gained immense popularity as a wearable device, offering a plethora of health and wellness features to its users. However, Apple is currently facing a significant setback due to a ban on the sale of its latest models, namely the Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the United States. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the ban, its implications for both Apple and its customers, and the measures being taken by the company to address this issue.
Understanding the Apple Watch Ban:
Patent Infringement Case:
The ban on the sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is a result of a patent infringement case filed against Apple by Masimo, a renowned medical technology company. Masimo alleges that Apple violated five of its patents related to light-based blood oxygen monitoring. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled in favor of Masimo, upholding the decision made by a previous judge that Apple’s devices indeed infringed upon these patents.
Impact on Apple Watch Sales and Repairs:
As a consequence of the ban, Apple has halted online sales of both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. Additionally, these models will no longer be available in physical Apple Stores after December 24th. Moreover, the ban has also affected out-of-warranty hardware repairs and whole unit replacements for Apple Watch models starting from Series 6, except for the SE. Customers who own these affected models and require repairs will have to wait until the ban is lifted before they can access these services.
Apple’s Response and Legal Battle:
Apple’s Compliance with the Ban:
To comply with the ruling by the ITC, Apple took the decision to remove the Series 9 and Ultra 2 from its online store on December 21st, right before the ban came into effect on December 26th. Although the company strongly disagrees with this order, it is actively exploring legal and technical options to ensure the availability of the Apple Watch to its customers.
Potential Solutions and Appeals:
Apple is determined not to back down. The company is currently appealing the ITC’s decision and has requested a halt on the ban until the appeal process is complete. Additionally, Apple is working on implementing software changes that it believes could potentially resolve the dispute with Masimo. However, Masimo’s CEO has expressed doubt regarding Apple’s ability to overcome the ban through coding, emphasizing that the issue lies with the hardware rather than the software.
Negotiations and Settlements:
Apart from the legal battle, Apple has the option to engage in negotiations and potentially reach a settlement with Masimo. While Masimo’s CEO has indicated openness to a financial settlement, Apple has not yet initiated any discussions in this regard. The possibility of an agreement between the two companies that would enable Apple to resume sales of the banned Apple Watch models remains uncertain.
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How to Purchase an Apple Watch Now:
Availability of Older Models and Apple Watch SE:
Although the direct purchase of Series 9 and Ultra 2 models is no longer possible from Apple, customers still have the option of exploring older Apple Watch models available in the market. Additionally, the Apple Watch SE, which does not include the blood oxygen monitoring feature, remains unaffected by the ban. Therefore, those in search of an Apple Watch can consider alternative options such as third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or Walmart, as they may still have stock of the affected models.
The Future of the Apple Watch Ban:
While the ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 poses a significant setback for Apple, it does not mark the end. The company is actively pursuing legal avenues to overturn this ban and exploring potential software changes to address the patent infringement issues. The outcome of Apple’s appeal and any potential negotiations with Masimo will ultimately shape the availability of the banned Apple Watch models in the United States.
Conclusion:
The Apple Watch ban in the United States has posed a major obstacle for both Apple and its customers, as it prevents the sale of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. However, Apple remains determined and is employing various strategies to tackle the ban, including legal appeals and potential software modifications. In the meantime, customers can still consider older Apple Watch models or the Apple Watch SE as viable alternatives. The resolution of the ban depends on the outcome of Apple’s legal battle and any potential negotiations with Masimo. Only time will tell when the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will once again make their comeback in the US market.
“Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features.” – Apple
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