Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) will cease selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US from December 21st, complying with a US International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban following a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo over its SpO2 sensor.
The ban, affecting only the flagship Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, won't impact the Apple Watch SE or previous models without the blood oxygen sensor.
The ITC ban is specific to US sales, with watches still available internationally.
The move follows Masimo’s claims that Apple infringed on its pulse oximetry technology.
The ITC previoulsy determined that Apple has violated US laws by incorporating patented light-based pulse oximetry technology owned by medtech company Masimo into its products. The ITC, a government agency providing trade-related advice, initiated the investigation in August 2021 following a complaint filed by Masimo Corporation and Ceracor Laboratories, which alleged that Apple watches infringed on their patents related to blood oxygen measurement.
Apple, stating it "strongly disagrees" with the order, is exploring legal and technical options to make the Apple Watch available to customers. The ITC import ban is under a presidential review, with President Joe Biden having the power to veto.
The review period concludes on December 25.
Apple said it may appeal to the Federal Circuit to return Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches to US customers if the ban stands.
Shares of Apple were down 1.2% on Monday morning following the news.