Apple's U.S. Apple Watch sales pause did not end with the product disappearing from the store. Apple quickly moved into appeal mode, trying to keep sales moving while the patent dispute with Masimo worked its way through the system.
What happened
The issue centered on blood oxygen sensor technology in Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Masimo argued that Apple infringed its patents, and the International Trade Commission sided with Masimo enough to trigger an import ban.
Apple's response
Apple filed an emergency appeal and argued that the ban would cause harm to customers, researchers, and the broader Apple Watch market. At the same time, Apple was also working on changes that could let redesigned watches avoid the disputed patent claims.
Why it mattered
For most buyers, the practical question was simple: can I still buy or use an Apple Watch? Existing owners were not suddenly blocked from wearing their watches. The uncertainty was around new U.S. sales and how quickly Apple could work around the dispute.
