Apple halts some watch sales amid patent dispute

STORY: Apple has been forced to halt sales of some smartwatches in the U.S.The tech giant said Monday that the move affected its top-end Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. It comes amid a patent dispute over technology that allows the watches to measure blood oxygen levels. U.S. watchdogs have said that violates rights belonging to medical technology firm Masimo. In October the U.S. International Trade Commission said it could bar Apple from importing the watches as a result. That decision is now under review by President Joe Biden. If he doesn’t overturn it, the ban will go into effect on December 26. Apple says it’s taking steps to comply already, with the affected watches to go off sale before Christmas. Lower priced models that don’t feature the blood oxygen sensor aren’t affected, and all versions will remain available outside the U.S.Masimo boss Joe Kiani has said he’s open to a deal. In October he told CNBC that he was ready to negotiate with Apple. The iPhone-maker says Masimo’s moves are just a maneuver to clear a space in the market for its own competing smartwatch.