In a surprising turn of events, Apple is grappling with a significant blow to its smartwatch lineup in the United States, as the Biden administration declined to intervene in a ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC).
The latest casualties are Apple's Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, both of which have been pulled from the company's official website and retail shelves as a result of the ITC's ruling.
On December 21st, Apple took the preemptive step of removing the contentious devices from its online platform, followed by a removal from physical stores on December 24th.
The decision not to reverse the ITC's determination was conveyed through a statement from the Office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, citing "careful consideration" as the basis for their stance.
The ITC's ban stems from a determination that Apple violated a patent held by a company named Masimo, specifically related to blood oxygen saturation technology.
As a consequence, the ITC not only ordered the prohibition of sales for the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 but also mandated that Apple cease selling any previously imported devices incorporating the contested technology.
Despite Apple's immediate appeal of the ITC decision, the request was rejected, prompting the tech giant to seek intervention from the Biden administration.
Unfortunately for Apple, President Joe Biden opted not to exercise the veto option, marking the second line of defense after the unsuccessful attempt to reverse the ITC ruling.
