According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple has announced that it will stop selling its flagship Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the United States.
This decision is a response to an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling in an ongoing patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo, specifically related to the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology.
ITC Ruling and Presidential Review Period
The ITC ruling, announced in October and upheld in January, led to a 60-day Presidential Review Period under the Biden administration. Although President Biden has not yet vetoed the ruling, the Review Period expires on December 25. In anticipation, Apple is taking pre-emptive steps to comply with the ITC’s decision.
Impact on Sales and Availability
The ITC’s ban affects only the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as they feature blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. The lower-end Apple Watch SE, lacking this sensor, remains unaffected and will continue to be available for purchase.
While the affected models may still be purchased from other outlets like Amazon and Best Buy, imports of these models to the U.S. will be blocked after December 25. If the ruling is upheld, Apple’s ability to sell these devices to resellers and other retailers may also be impacted.
Existing Devices and Service Exception
Previously sold Apple Watches with a blood oxygen sensor are not affected by the ITC’s decision. Devices sold before December 25 are exempt from the ban during the service, repair, or warranty period. The blood oxygen sensor, introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020, will continue to function without any changes for existing models.
Timeline for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
As of 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be available for order on Apple’s website in the U.S. In-store inventory at Apple retail locations will also cease after December 24.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple said in its statement:
A Presidential Review Period is currently underway in response to a U.S. International Trade Commission order concerning a technical intellectual property dispute involving Apple Watch devices featuring the Blood Oxygen feature.
Despite the review period extending until December 25, Apple is proactively preparing for potential compliance with the ruling. This proactive stance includes halting sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com from December 21 and at Apple retail locations after December 24.
Apple remains committed to delivering products and services that empower users with cutting-edge health, wellness, and safety features. Disagreeing strongly with the order, Apple is exploring various legal and technical avenues to ensure continued availability of the Apple Watch to customers.
In the event that the order is upheld, Apple pledges to take all necessary measures to promptly restore the availability of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S.