A federal judge denied Masimo’s request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on Tuesday, December 26, 2025, allowing Apple to continue importing and selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the United States. The decision overturned Masimo’s attempt to enforce an import ban that had been in place since the U.S. International Trade Commission’s ruling in October 2023.
The ruling does not settle the underlying patent dispute. Masimo maintains that Apple’s blood‑oxygen‑sensing technology infringes on its patents, and the ITC has reopened proceedings to review Apple’s redesigned features. Apple has appealed the original infringement findings and is pursuing counter‑claims. The court’s decision therefore represents a temporary reprieve rather than a final resolution.
For Apple, the ruling preserves the supply chain for two of its most popular wearables. The Apple Watch segment generated roughly $6.5 billion in revenue in the most recent fiscal year, accounting for about 10 % of total sales. By keeping the Series 9 and Ultra 2 available, Apple avoids a potential revenue loss that could have weighed on its Services and Wearables earnings. The decision also protects the company’s ability to continue selling AppleCare and subscription add‑ons tied to the watch.
Analysts noted that the ruling is a short‑term win for Apple, but the ongoing legal battle remains a significant headwind. While the court’s order removes an immediate supply‑chain bottleneck, the possibility of future injunctions or licensing costs still looms. Investors are watching the ITC’s next steps and Apple’s strategy for addressing the patent claims.
Apple’s management has not issued a statement on the ruling, but the company’s prior communications emphasize its commitment to compliance and innovation. The company continues to invest in new health‑tracking features while navigating the complex patent landscape.
In the near term, Apple can maintain its planned sales and distribution schedule for the affected models. Long‑term prospects will depend on the outcome of the ITC’s reopened proceedings and any potential settlement or licensing agreement. The ruling underscores the importance of intellectual‑property strategy in Apple’s wearable ecosystem and highlights the ongoing risk of regulatory intervention in product availability.
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