In an unexpected development, Apple is facing a significant setback to its smartwatch lineup in the United States, as the Biden administration has decided not to intervene in a ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC).
The most recent victims of this decision are Apple’s Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, both of which have been removed from the company’s official website and retail shelves following the ITC’s ruling.
Apple took proactive measures on December 21st by removing the disputed devices from its online platform, and the removal extended to physical stores on December 24th.
The Office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai released a statement, explaining the decision not to reverse the ITC’s determination. The statement cited “careful consideration” as the basis for the administration’s stance.
The ITC’s ban is a result of its finding that Apple infringed on a patent owned by a company named Masimo, specifically related to blood oxygen saturation technology.
Consequently, the ITC not only imposed a sales ban on the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 but also mandated that Apple stop selling any previously imported devices incorporating the contested technology.
Despite Apple promptly appealing the ITC decision, the request was rejected, leading the tech giant to seek intervention from the Biden administration.
However, President Joe Biden has chosen not to use the veto option, representing the second line of defense after the unsuccessful attempt to reverse the ITC ruling.
Silent Pandemic: ADB Report Highlights Alarming Rise of Domestic Violence in Pakistan
Meanwhile, a study report published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights that domestic violence is becoming a silent pandemic in Pakistan, presenting a significant challenge to both society and the state.
The report, titled “Gendered Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Central and West Asia”, references a recent survey conducted in Punjab and Sindh, revealing an increase in threats of physical violence (40%) and physical assault from spouses (46%).
The study aims to illuminate the pandemic’s impact, focusing on initiatives and results from policy and public investments, particularly ADB projects in nine countries in Central and West Asia.
The report notes that gendered data on COVID-19 cases and deaths are not consistently available or updated across the region.
The report attributes the rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Pakistan to factors such as economic hardships and restrictions, leading to a loss of livelihoods.
Development partners in the country stress the urgency of changing the narrative to address this concerning trend.
