Apple has made an important decision regarding Apple Watch models, which have been on the agenda of patent discussions over the years. According to the statement first made to 9to5Mac, the tech giant announced that some Apple Watch models are coming to the US will stop selling this week.

The decision, which is only valid in the US, was introduced this year. Includes Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models. The company will stop selling these devices through its website on December 21. On December 24, it will be removed from all Apple stores in the country.

The reason for the decision was patent disputes between Apple and medical technology company Masimo.

Let’s take a look at why Apple stopped selling its flagship Apple Watch models in the US. The tech giant is done Masimo He had problems with a medical device company over his smart watches. This company makes Apple Watches The sensor that measures the oxygen level in the blood was copied from them. and he said Apple is infringing a patent. Let’s note that the problems between both parties date back to 2020. According to Masimo, such violations have been happening since Apple Watch Series 6.

The US International Trade Commission banned Apple Watch models in October

Masimo first filed a lawsuit over the issue in 2020 and later in 2021. And after that To the US International Trade Commission (ITC) applied. After investigation, ITC discovered that Apple had violated 2 patents. These were also related to technology that measures oxygen levels in the blood.

ITC announced that Apple Watch models will be available at the end of October. It banned its import into the US. The institution then sent the case to the Biden administration for review. A 60-day period ending on December 25 was granted for the presidential review. So far, the government has not taken any steps that could veto the decision.

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said in his statement when the ban came: “ITC’s decision “It sends a strong message that even the largest company in the world is not above the law.” he said.

In short, the ban would go into effect on December 25 unless there is another move from the Biden administration. Apple also announced that it wanted to take such a step a little earlier in order to comply with the ban. ITC’s decision only affects Apple’s sales. This means that devices can be purchased by third-party sellers such as Amazon. It is not known whether this will change.

According to Apple, sales will start again as soon as possible

Now we wait until December 25th to see what happens. Apple will appeal the ban if there is no action from the Biden administration. The company said sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2as soon as possible” He says he will start again, but cannot give an exact date.