Ban On Apple Watch Models Takes Effect After Biden Admin. Declines To Veto The Ruling

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 18: Apple watches are seen on display at the Apple Store in Grand Central Station on December 18, 2023 in New York City. Apple announced that it will halt the sale of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. as early as this week. The decision comes from an ongoing dispute with medical technology company Masimo over its blood oxygen feature. The company has said that a review period is underway with the International Trade Commission related to Apple Watch devices containing a blood oxygen feature. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Apple watches are seen on display at the Apple Store in Grand Central Station on December 18, 2023 in New York City. Apple announced that it will halt the sale of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. as early as this week. The decision comes from an ongoing dispute with medical technology company Masimo over its blood oxygen feature. The company has said that a review period is underway with the International Trade Commission related to Apple Watch devices containing a blood oxygen feature. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

OAN’s James Meyers
9:38 AM – Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Multiple Apple Watch models have been banned from being imported after the Biden administration declined to veto an agency’s decision to restrict the products. 

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The decision comes after The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in October to ban Apple Watch models Ultra 2 and Series 9 over a technology that detects blood-oxygen levels. 

The order dated back to a complaint in 2021 that accused Apple of violating medical device maker company Masimo Corp’s “light-based oximetry functionality.”

The decision from the ITC, which went into effect on Tuesday, would have needed a presidential veto to be overturned. 

Additionally, Apple ended direct U.S. sales of model Ultra 2 and Series 9 watches last week. 

Meanwhile, Apple has said it’s appealing the decision and they are also suing Masimo. 

“We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible,” Apple said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Our teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,” Apple said when the ITC ban was issued.

Apple asked the Federal Circuit to halt the ban until U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether the Apple Watch designs did defy Masimo’s patents. 

The customs office is set to make their decision on January 12th, according to Apple.

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