
Apple has succeeded in resuming the sales of its latest smartwatches in the United States after swiftly appealing to the authorities, as reported by the BBC.
Sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches were halted due to a patent dispute, as the US Trade Association imposed restrictions on Apple watches featuring blood-oxygen sensor technology. Allegations surfaced from device maker Masimo, accusing Apple of poaching its staff and technology.
Despite Apple's strong opposition to the decision, the White House upheld the import and sales restrictions this week, affecting the Series 9 and Ultra 2 timepieces.
In response, Apple made an urgent appeal to the US Court of Appeals, leading to the lifting of the prohibition. The company had earlier taken a proactive step to halt the devices from US retailers and its website, although sales in other regions remained unaffected.
The President holds the power to veto the decision and had a sixty-day period to review the October order from the US International Trade Commission (USITC). However, on Christmas Day, the White House chose not to overturn the ban, concluding the review process.
Following deliberations, the office of US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai opted not to reverse the USITC's ruling, as announced on Tuesday, citing thorough consultations as the basis for the decision.