Apple Watch ban stands after White House fails to offer reprieve

The US International Trade Commission determined in October that Apple violated two Masimo Corp health-technology patents with a blood-oxygen sensor in its watches. — Bloomberg

The White House declined to overturn a sales ban on Apple Inc’s smartwatches in the US, failing to offer a reprieve to the tech giant.

The US International Trade Commission determined in October that Apple violated two Masimo Corp health-technology patents with a blood-oxygen sensor in its watches. The White House had 60 days to review the import ban, with the decision resting with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

"After careful consultations, Ambassador Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s determination and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the Office of the US Trade Representative said in a statement Tuesday (Dec 26).

Ahead of that deadline, Apple moved to stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US at the company’s online store and retail outlets.

The ban threatens a business that generated about US$17bil (RM78.86bil) in revenue in the last fiscal year, according to analyst estimates. – Bloomberg