US declares Apple Watch ban

By Hannah Nathan, Warri

Following President Joe Biden’s administration’s decision not to veto a decision on patent infringements, a ban on imports of Apple smartwatch models into the United States went into force on Tuesday.

Due to a patented method of measuring blood oxygen levels, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) prohibited certain Apple Watch models in October. Apple, however, had filed an appeal, claiming that the ITC’s conclusion was incorrect and ought to be overturned. However, it stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US last week.

The commission received a complaint from Apple in mid-2021 alleging that the company was violating the “light-based oximetry functionality” of Masimo Corp., a maker of medical devices, which led to the decision to prohibit specific Apple Watch models.

“After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the determination, and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the President’s executive office said in a statement on Tuesday.

With every iteration of the Apple Watch, the industry leader in wearable technology, Apple has strengthened its fitness and health capabilities.

Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 in September, highlighting improved functionality and capabilities like the ability to read and log health data.