Apple Resumes Sales of Top Apple Watch Models as Court Temporarily Halts Import Ban

In a recent development, Apple has swiftly resumed the sale of its latest Apple Watch models following a temporary block on a comprehensive import ban imposed by a federal appeals court. This move comes amid an ongoing patent dispute, allowing Apple to continue offering its advanced smartwatches to customers.

The federal appeals court decision enables Apple to sell the affected watches, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, both in physical stores and on its website. The company, in a statement, expressed its commitment to providing customers with the full Apple Watch lineup, just in time for the new year.

Apple had filed an emergency appeal motion in response to a ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) that took effect earlier this week. The ITC order prohibited the import of certain Apple Watch models, asserting a violation of patents owned by another company, Masimo, a medical device maker.

Despite an opportunity for the Biden White House to overturn the ban by the end of Christmas day, the US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, confirmed the decision not to intervene. Apple’s emergency motion argued that it could face “irreparable harm” if the ban persisted during the ongoing appeal process.

The temporary block by the appeals court grants the US Customs department time to consider Apple’s redesign of the implicated Apple Watch models, with the fix expected to be implemented by January 12. Apple had promptly removed the affected models from its online store, and Apple Store locations temporarily lacked the latest watches.

The ban specifically impacted the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, as well as all models of the Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch SE, excluded from the ruling, continued to be available for purchase. With the court’s intervention, Apple plans to reintroduce the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in select US stores starting Wednesday, with broader availability in the following days.

The legal dispute revolves around an October ruling by the ITC, which found Apple in violation of a pulse oximeter patent held by Masimo. While third-party stores continued to sell the affected Apple Watch models, Apple’s successful appeal offers a temporary reprieve, allowing the company to challenge the ITC decision in court. The Federal Circuit’s order directs the ITC to refrain from enforcing the ban “until further notice while the court considers the motion for a stay pending appeal.” Masimo declined to comment on the matter.