Apple to Stop Selling Certain Apple Watch Models in the US
In a rather unexpected development, Apple announced that it will halt sales of a number of Apple Watch models in the US, following a patent dispute versus medical device maker Masimo.
More specifically, the Cupertino-based company will cease selling its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models after December 24, and on Thursday via its website, in a statement made to CNN. According to Apple:
“While the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand… Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers.”
This follows a ruling made in October by the US International Trade Commission, which decided in favor of Masimo. The decision stems from Apple’s violation of Masimo’s pulse oximeter patent which uses light-based technology in order to measure blood-oxygen levels. On one hand, the Office of the President has 60 days to review the ruling before a ban is put into effect.
Apple adds that it will “continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”
Source: CNN