Why are the newest Apple Watches about to be banned?

Anyone with a new Apple Watch on their holiday wish list had better act fast. Starting Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. Eastern, you won’t be able to buy online the Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2. And they won’t be available to purchase in stores starting Dec. 24.

Why? The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the blood oxygen monitoring feature in these devices violated a patent from Masimo. The company, which specializes in medical devices, filed a case with the ITC in 2021 arguing that Apple’s feature violated its patent. In October, the ITC sided with Masimo and gave President Joe Biden 60 days to veto the decision, setting the deadline for Christmas Day.

It is rare that presidents veto ITC rulings — the last time it happened was in 2013 when then-President Barack Obama vetoed a ban on certain models of Apple’s iPhone and iPad. If no veto is issued and the ban takes effect, it’s unclear when the models might potentially be available for purchase again. Third-party retailers should still be able to sell them while supplies last, and Apple has also noted that its budget model, the Apple Watch SE, will still be available. Those who already own an Apple Watch 9 or Ultra 2 will not be affected, and their device’s blood oxygen monitoring will still work.