The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has rejected Apple’s request to postpone the upcoming ban on its Watches. This means that the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both launched this year, will no longer be sold on the online store starting December 21, with availability at physical retail stores being limited only until December 24. The import ban is set to be enforced on December 26. This comes amid the tech giant’s attempts to avoid the ban, including pushing software changes, according to news agency Bloomberg.
“For the reasons discussed in the Commission Opinion issued concurrently herewith, the Commission has determined to deny Apple’s motion to stay the remedial orders pending appeal and/or in light of a potential government shutdown,” says the ITC filing, as spotted by The Verge.
The ban on Apple Watched applies to the devices olny sold within the US, allowing third-party retailers like Best Buy to continue selling the watches until their inventory is depleted. This ban does not apply to other regions globally.
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While Apple’s bid to halt the ban has been unsuccessful, there remains a possibility of overturning the decision if President Joe Biden chooses to veto it. However, the likelihood of Cupertino, California-headquartered Apple securing a presidential veto is considered highly improbable, The Verge report added.
Meanwhile, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, if Apple proceeds with discontinuing the sales, the decision may result in a holiday-season sales loss of approximately $300-$400 million for the tech giant, as reported earlier by Insider.
Why Sales Of Apple Watches Got Banned In The US
Starting later this week, these Apple Watch models will no longer be offered for purchase directly from Apple. This decision follows an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling amid a protracted patent dispute between Apple and a medical technology company named Masimo, specifically related to the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology.
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The directive prohibits the importation of all Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models into the US after December 25. Moreover, Apple is likely to face restrictions in selling these devices to resellers. Consequently, if the ruling stands, it has the potential to affect the availability of Apple Watches for other retailers.
Starting from 3 p.m. ET on Thursday (December 21) Apple’s website in the US will not accept orders for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9, both released this year. Additionally, in-store inventory at Apple retail locations will no longer be accessible after December 24.