Christmas crunch for Apple fans as international trade commission slaps ban on two coveted models

In a festive twist, Apple enthusiasts are left hanging as the tech giant pulls the plug on sales of certain Apple Watch models just days before Christmas. The International Trade Commission (ITC) has thrown a spanner in the works, demanding the removal of two sought-after Apple Watch editions from the shelves.

The controversy stems from allegations made by tech firm Masimo, accusing Apple of pilfering its trade secrets. Masimo’s blood oxygen sensing technology, the heart of the dispute, allegedly found its way into Apple’s watches without permission.

Masimo’s Founder and CEO, Joe Kiani, asserts that they aim to “hold Apple accountable for unlawfully misappropriating our patented technology.”

Affected by the ruling, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are set to vanish from Apple.com starting December 21, with in-store sales ceasing on Christmas Eve. This development, however, is exclusive to the United States.

Apple, quick to respond, issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing Presidential Review Period, lasting until December 25. President Biden holds the power to veto the ITC ban during this period.

The official statement from Apple reassures users, stating, “While the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand.”

Expressing disagreement with the order, Apple affirms its commitment to users’ health, wellness, and safety features. The company vows to explore legal and technical avenues to reinstate the availability of Apple Watch.

The Series 9, released in September, and the Ultra 2 are the only models affected by this particular blood oxygen sensing feature. Other models, including the Apple Watch SE, remain unaffected and can continue to be sold without hindrance.

For those who managed to secure a Series 9 or Ultra 2 for in-store collection before the ban, Apple assures fulfillment until December 24. Online purchasers can also expect their watches to arrive as planned, ensuring a gadget-filled Christmas.

In the midst of this festive tech tussle, Apple’s loyal customers eagerly await a resolution that will hopefully see the return of the coveted Series 9 and Ultra 2 to the market.