Apple Watch U.S. import ban is enforced today

A U.S. import ban on specific Apple smartwatch models has taken effect on Tuesday following the Biden administration's decision not to reject an US International Trade Commission (ITC) decision regarding patent infringement. The ban, which was initiated by Masimo, a company that makes medical monitoring devices, applies to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The US International Trade Commission in October ruled that the Apple Watch models infringed on Masimo's patents for a proprietary technology that measures blood oxygen levels. As a result of the ITC's ruling, Apple stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US last week.

Apple appealed the ban immediately on Tuesday and requested an urgent restraining order from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Apple argues that the ITC's decision was incorrect and should be overturned.

The company also requested that the Federal Circuit postpone the import ban until after U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines whether or not redesigned watches violate Masimo's patents. According to Apple, the customs office must decide by January 12th.

Given the recent import ban on Apple Watch Series 9 models, the Apple Watch Series 8 emerges as a compelling alternative. It is now available on Amazon at a 19% discount, priced at an attractive $649.99.