A U.S. federal appeals court has revived the ban on the sale of Apple's premium watches, namely the Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the U.S. due to a patent dispute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The ban relates to a dispute over a blood-oxygen sensor in these models, which allegedly infringes on patents held by the medical technology company Masimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apple had obtained a temporary stay against the ban, but the appellate court recently refused to extend this, effectively reinstating the ban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To comply with the court order, Apple is disabling the blood-oxygen monitoring feature on the affected watch models in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The ban means Apple cannot sell these specific watch models in one of its biggest markets, potentially impacting its sales and market presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apple plans to sell the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models without the disputed blood oxygen feature in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The legal battle between Apple and Masimo could extend for at least a year, during which time the ban is likely to remain in effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
People who have already purchased the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the U.S. will still be able to use the blood-oxygen sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apple is continuing its efforts to appeal the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling in hopes of overturning the ban . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The sensor will continue to function in watches sold outside the U.S., indicating the ban is specific to the U.S. market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .