The Apple Watch Ban A Dispute Over Technology and Innovation
Something big happened with Apple Watches in the U.S. The government decided to stop certain models from being sold here. Why? There’s a disagreement about a special technology in the watches that measures how much oxygen is in your blood.
What the Government and Apple Are Saying
A group called the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) made a rule that Apple did something wrong. They say Apple used a special technology without permission from another company, Masimo. Masimo not only says Apple copied them but also stole their ideas and people. Apple disagrees and wants to argue about it in court.
Even though Apple asked the government to wait before stopping the watches, the government said no. Now, we’re waiting for another group called Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to decide if Apple’s changes to the watches are okay. This decision is set to happen on January 12.
No More Selling and What Apple is Doing
Knowing this might happen, Apple decided to stop selling the affected watches, like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, both online and in stores. This decision was made to follow the government’s rule, which became official on December 26, 2023, after a 60-day check by the president.
But Apple doesn’t like this ban. They quickly asked another important group, the US Court of Appeals, to lift the ban. Apple really wants to bring these watches back to people in the U.S. soon.
What Masimo Thinks
The company Masimo is happy about this decision. They see it as a win for their special ideas and the rules about inventions in the U.S. They think this will help make better things for people.
Still Fighting in Court
This fight is not just about the government rule. Apple is taking this to another important court called the Federal Circuit Court. They are arguing about a special part of the watch called the pulse oximetry sensor. It’s a kind of sensor that was added to the Apple Watch in 2020. Masimo says Apple took their ideas and people used them in their watches.
Even though Apple keeps saying no, the ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still happening. Apple has a tough time ahead as they try to change this rule and start selling their newest watches again in the United States. This is a big deal in the world of ideas and laws about technology.
