What's next after US Apple Watch import ban?

A ban restricting imports of Apple's popular Apple Watches into the United States has gone into effect.

Here is a look at what the ban means for consumers and what is next for Apple.

Why was the ban imposed?

The US International Trade Commission in October ordered Apple to stop importing and selling Apple Watches based on a complaint from medical-monitoring technology company Masimo .

The ITC, a federal agency that handles international trade disputes, determined that an Apple Watch feature for reading blood-oxygen levels infringes Masimo's pulse oximetry patents.

The administration of President Joe Biden had 60 days, until December 25, to veto the order based on public policy concerns but chose not to do so.

How are US Apple Watch sales affected?

Cupertino, California-based Apple announced on December 18 it would pre-emptively pause US sales of its latest high-end Series 9 and Ultra 2 models ahead of the Christmas Day deadline. The ITC's order does not affect the lower-priced Apple Watch SE, which does not have pulse-oximetry capabilities and remains on sale at Apple.

The ITC decision says it applies only to Apple Watches with the light-based pulse oximetry capability in question, but does not specify which models with that technology are affected. Apple first introduced pulse oximetry in its Series 6 watches, and Masimo has argued that all Apple Watches with the technology infringe its patents.

Apple said it would also stop replacing out-of-warranty watches going back to Series 6 based on the ban.

The ban specifically applies to Apple and its "affiliated companies, parents, subsidiaries, or other related business entities," and may not affect other retailers selling Apple Watches.

Series 9 Apple Watches were still available from sellers including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart as of December 26.

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani has also indicated that he is willing to settle the dispute.