Apple Watch Sales Ban: Can Apple Still Sell Them Now?

Yes, Apple can still sell Apple Watches in the U.S. for now, but the situation is fluid and depends on a pending legal battle over blood-oxygen (SpO2) technology. As of the latest court ruling, a sales ban was briefly imposed and then paused, allowing sales to resume while Apple appeals the underlying patent dispute.

Formula

The calculator above is a simple pace and speed converter, not related to the Apple Watch ban. It computes:

Pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables: t = finish time in minutes, d = distance in kilometers. The pace output is the number of minutes it takes to cover one kilometer; the speed output is the average kilometers covered per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values (50 minutes for 10 km):

• Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
• Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows 5.00 min/km and 12.00 km/h for these inputs.

Background: Why Was There a Ban?

The dispute centers on a patent held by Masimo, a medical technology company, covering light-based pulse oximetry used in the Apple Watch Series 6 and later models. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple infringed the patent and issued a limited exclusion order, which would block importation of the affected watches into the U.S. Apple filed an appeal, and the Biden administration declined to veto the ITC ruling, leading to a brief ban that took effect on December 26, 2023.

On December 27, 2023, a federal appeals court granted Apple an emergency stay, temporarily pausing the ban while the appeal proceeds. That stay allowed Apple to resume selling the affected models in U.S. stores and online. The legal case is ongoing, and the final outcome could still result in a permanent ban if Apple loses the appeal.

How the Ban Works (and Why It’s Not a Recall)

The ITC’s order is an import ban, not a recall. It blocks Apple from importing new watches into the U.S., but it does not require Apple to take back or disable watches already sold. Consumers who already own an affected Apple Watch can continue using it normally, including the blood-oxygen feature.

The ban applies to the hardware that contains the pulse oximeter. Apple could potentially avoid the ban by:

• Removing the blood-oxygen feature from new watches via a software update
• Redesigning the sensor to avoid the patented technology
• Reaching a licensing agreement with Masimo
• Winning the appeal or getting the ITC order overturned

Apple has already taken one of these steps: in January 2024, it began selling versions of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. with the blood-oxygen feature disabled, likely as a contingency to keep sales flowing if the stay were lifted.

Which Models Are Affected?

The ITC order specifically targets watches with the blood-oxygen sensor, which includes:

• Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)
• Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
• Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)
• Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
• Apple Watch Ultra (2022)
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)

The Apple Watch SE (both generations) does not have the blood-oxygen sensor, so it is not affected by the ban. Older models like Series 3, 4, and 5 also lack the sensor and remain unaffected.

Current Status and What Happens Next

As of early 2024, the stay is in effect, and Apple is selling all affected models in the U.S. again. The Federal Circuit is reviewing Apple’s appeal, and a final decision could take months. If Apple loses, the stay would likely be lifted, and the import ban would resume. If Apple wins, the ban would be permanently vacated.

Apple has also filed a request to pause the ITC order during the appeal, and it has been actively working on a software workaround that would disable the blood-oxygen feature on new units, which could keep them importable even if the ban returns.

Common Misconceptions

“My watch will stop working.” False. The ban does not affect existing devices. Your watch continues to function, including the blood-oxygen sensor, unless Apple pushes a software update that disables it (which has not happened for existing users).

“The ban is permanent.” Not yet. The stay is temporary, and the final outcome depends on the appeal. It could go either way.

“Only the latest model is affected.” False. The ban covers any watch with the pulse oximeter, which includes several older models still sold by Apple.

How to Choose a Watch During the Uncertainty

If you’re shopping for an Apple Watch right now, you have options:

• Buy the affected models (Series 9, Ultra 2): They are currently available with the blood-oxygen feature enabled. If the ban returns, you may still be able to buy them with the feature disabled, but you’ll likely pay the same price.
• Buy the Apple Watch SE: It lacks the blood-oxygen sensor, so it’s unaffected and cheaper, but you lose SpO2, ECG, and always-on display.
• Wait: If the legal situation resolves in Apple’s favor, you can buy with confidence. If not, you may get a discounted model with the feature disabled.

For most users, the blood-oxygen feature is a wellness metric, not a medical diagnostic. If you don’t need it, the SE is a safe choice. If you want the full feature set, the risk is that you may lose SpO2 in future units, but existing units retain it.

Costs and Alternatives

The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399, the Ultra 2 at $799, and the SE at $249. These prices have not changed due to the ban. If you’re considering alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Garmin Venu 3 offer similar fitness tracking, but they don’t integrate with iOS as seamlessly as the Apple Watch.

If you already own an affected watch, there is no cost to you. If you’re buying new, consider whether the blood-oxygen feature is essential. If it is, buy now while it’s enabled. If not, the SE is a solid, cheaper option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy an Apple Watch Series 9 in the U.S.? Yes, as of the latest stay, all models are back on sale. The ban is paused, so you can purchase them from Apple or authorized retailers.

Will my existing Apple Watch lose the blood-oxygen feature? No. The ban only affects imports of new watches. Apple has not announced any software update that would disable the feature on already-sold devices.

What is the blood-oxygen feature used for? It measures the oxygen saturation in your blood using green and red LEDs. It’s useful for fitness and wellness, but it’s not a medical device and shouldn’t be used for diagnosis.

Why did the ITC ban Apple Watch? The ITC found that Apple infringed a Masimo patent related to pulse oximetry. The ban is a remedy for that infringement, not a safety recall.

Can Apple sell watches with the feature disabled? Yes, Apple has already started selling versions with the blood-oxygen feature disabled in the U.S. This allows sales to continue even if the ban is reinstated.

When will the legal case be resolved? There is no set timeline. The appeal is pending before the Federal Circuit, and a decision could take several months or longer.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2