Why the Apple Watch is Banned and What it Means For You

Smartwatches have become increasingly popular in the past decade as new features and new series are released every year. From making phone calls to monitoring your heart rate, your smartwatch can basically do it all.

The Apple Watch in particular is a sought-after product as the sleek design makes it fashionable and useful, and the features make it possible to be connected at all times.

In 2023, the newest Apple Watch series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 was released, anticipated by Apple lovers everywhere. The innovative blood pressure monitoring feature was a huge sell for this series, as the future of monitoring your own health without a daily doctor's visit is becoming closer and closer.

However, earlier this week, the company announced they will not be selling either of these models starting December 21st due to an import ban. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Are These Models Being Banned?

On Monday, December 18th, 2023, Apple announced its plan to remove the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from shelves and online after a ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), which oversees trade and intellectual property disputes.

Back in October 2023, the ITC found that Apple's blood oxygen sensor infringed on patents from Masimo - a health technology and consumer electronics company that manufacturers monitoring devices and non-invasive sensors for patients.

Masimo's CEO, Joe Kiani, accused Apple of "misleading his company by engaging in acquisition and partnership talks before systematically poaching his technical staff", according to CNBC.

Kiani tells CNBC, "“I don’t care that much about the Apple leadership, given about what I know about how they run the company. I still extended the olive branch and offered to work with them for the betterment of people and our shareholders, and not even a call.”

On Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, the ITC denied a motion for Apple to continue to sell these models until an appeal. Meaning, you can no longer buy these Apple Watch models in store or online starting Thursday, December 21st, 2023.

How Does This Affect Apple?

As this import ban is likely to affect Apple's sales, especially right before Christmas, the tech company is already looking for ways to avoid the ban, such as institute software changes.

Their sales are likely to take a hit during the busiest shopping time of the year, but their also taking hits elsewhere. Since the ban announcement on Monday, Apple shares are down less than 1%.

While Apple's ban may not seem important enough to reach political level, President Joe Biden does have the ability to veto the import ban if he chooses. The President has until December 25th to make this decision. However, he currently has not made any indication this will happen.

How Does This Affect You?

The good news is if you're wearing your Apple Watch now, you don't have to throw it away or anything. But, if you or your loved one wanted the newest Apple Watch for Christmas, you may have to kiss that wish goodbye - for now at least.

If you hurry, you still might be able to snag one, though. Apple will stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 online on Thursday, December 21st, and in stores on Sunday, December 24th.

Third party sellers such as Amazon and Best Buy are able to continue to sell these models until supplies last.