Apple to halt Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 sales in the US

Apple Watch Series 9 :

In response to an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling arising from an extended patent dispute with medical technology firm Masimo, Apple has officially announced the discontinuation of two flagship smartwatch models – the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 – within United States. The crux of the disagreement revolves around the SpO2 blood oxygen sensor technology featured in these devices.

The ITC ruling, initially issued in October and subsequently upheld in a judge’s decision from January, initiated a 60-day Presidential Review Period, slated to conclude on December 25. In anticipation of potential repercussions, Apple has taken preemptive measures, ceasing sales of the affected models on its website after 3 p.m. ET on December 21 and discontinuing in-store inventory after December 24.

The scope of the ITC ban exclusively encompasses Apple’s sales channels, allowing other retailers, such as Amazon and Best Buy, to continue selling the impacted models until the December 25 deadline. Beyond this point, all imports of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 into the U.S. will be prohibited, potentially affecting availability through various retail outlets.

Apple clarifies about Apple Watch Series 9 :

Apple clarifies that the ITC ruling solely impacts devices equipped with the blood oxygen sensor. Consequently, the Apple Watch SE, lacking this feature, remains unaffected and available for purchase. Existing devices already sold with the SpO2 sensor are also exempt from the ruling, assuring users that their functionality will remain unchanged.

The ITC order includes a provision for service, repair, or warranty cases related to units sold prior to December 25, ensuring ongoing support for customers with existing devices. Apple, despite expressing strong disagreement with the ITC’s decision, is actively exploring both legal and technical avenues to uphold the availability of the Apple Watch, particularly emphasizing the device’s role in offering health, wellness, and safety features to users.

Despite challenges from the patent dispute and regulatory issues, Apple is dedicated to promptly returning the availability of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers if the ITC’s ruling stands, the company told 9To5Mac. The situation is dynamic, and Apple is prepared to take various measures to address challenges arising from the ongoing dispute and regulatory decisions.