Impact of US Import Ban on Apple Watches: What Customers Need to Know

Ban on Apple Watches: The US government’s recent move to allow a ban on the import and sale of specific Apple Watches, following a patent infringement complaint from medical technology company Masimo, has significant implications for both Apple and its customers.

Immediate Impact on Apple Watch Owners:

1. Out-of-Warranty Models: Apple has informed its customer service teams that out-of-warranty models, including those from Apple Watch Series 6 onwards, will no longer be replaced in the US. This change affects issues such as broken screens, excluding software-related problems.
2. In-Effect Models: The ban affects most Apple Watches sold since 2020, including Series 6, 7, 8, and Ultra, as well as the current 9 and Ultra 2, all featuring blood oxygen monitoring technology covered by the patents in question.
3. Customer Warranty Status: Customers who purchased watches before the ban and models still under warranty remain unaffected by the replacement prohibition. Standard warranties last one year, extendable with AppleCare.
4. Post-Ban Exchanges: Apple won’t facilitate exchanges for watches purchased before the ban, including changes in color or size during the usual return period. Accessory replacements, like bands, will still be allowed, and watches can be returned for a refund.

Retail and Sales Implications:

1. Affected Sales Channels: The ban applies specifically to Apple and its affiliated entities but may not impact other retailers selling Apple Watches. Apple has ceased selling Series 9 and Ultra 2 in its online store, but these models remain available through other sellers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
2. India Sales Unaffected: Apple Watch sales in India are not impacted by the US tribunal’s order.

Next Steps and Apple’s Response:

1. Licensing Agreement or Resolution: The ban remains in effect until Apple secures a licensing agreement with Masimo or resolves the patent infringement issue.
2. Possible Appeal: Apple retains the option to appeal the ban to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
3. Software Update: Apple is actively developing a software update to address and mitigate the patent infringement problem.

As the Ban on Apple Watches takes effect, Apple Watch owners in the US face limitations on replacements and exchanges, while the future of sales hinges on potential resolutions between Apple and Masimo. The tech giant’s response, including the development of a software update, will play a crucial role in determining the course of events in the coming months.