Apple Managed To Halt The Sales/Import Ban On Watch Series 9 And Watch Ultra 2, Temporarily

Apple, the world's most beloved consumer technology company, has been on a roller coaster ride this past week. First, the International Trade Commission imposed a sales/import ban on the company's latest smartwatches (Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2). To veto the ban, the company contacted the president's office, but to no avail. On December 26, 2023, Apple appealed to the Federal Court as a last resort, but this time the coin turned in its favor.

The latest Apple Watches will return to physical stores in the United States

According to a report from The Verge, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are available again in select physical stores, with wider availability expected in a few days. Additionally, the company will resume online sales starting December 29, 2023. This comes after a federal appeals court suspended the ban on the sale/import of the devices following the ITC's findings regarding the infringed patent owned by Masimo Corp.

Customs and Border Protection must rule in favor of Apple for ban to be lifted

This is, however, a temporary arrangement as the court waits to hear about the proposed changes regarding smartwatches. From the looks of it, if Apple can make enough hardware and software changes to avoid the use of the patented technology, it could get rid of the ban for good. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue its verdict on these changes in approximately two weeks, on January 12, 2024.

According to a report from Apple Insider, Apple's appeal resulted in a delay in the ban “until the court reviews and issues a full ruling on the patent infringement case” between Apple and Masimo Corp . Nevertheless, as we mentioned in previous reports, the watches are available in the international market, including the UK, India and other regions.

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