Apple Halts U.S. Sales Of Apple Watch Series 9 And Ultra 2 In Days
Apple Halts Sales of Two Smartwatch Models in the U.S.
Apple is set to discontinue sales of two of its smartwatch models, namely the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9, in the United States. If you’re considering purchasing one before the holidays, it’s advised to act quickly. The unusual decision is attributed to what Apple terms as an agency order and litigation, arising from a prolonged intellectual property dispute with medical technology company Masimo concerning the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology—a dispute Apple has currently lost.
Background of the Sales Halt
This information was initially disclosed by 9to5Mac when Apple released a statement addressing the matter. Taking a product off the market is a significant move, and Apple is proactively responding to an order from the International Trade Commission linked to Apple Watches featuring blood oxygen monitoring capabilities.
Apple’s Response and Presidential Review Period
According to Apple’s statement, a Presidential Review Period is underway concerning the U.S. International Trade Commission’s order on a technical intellectual property dispute related to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature. Although the review period extends until December 25, Apple is taking precautionary steps in compliance with the ruling, should it be upheld.
Sales Timeline and Model Exclusions
Sales on apple.com for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will cease at 3 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, December 21, with in-store purchases or online order pickups concluding at the end of the day on Sunday, December 24. Notably, this affects only two of the three Apple Watch models currently available, excluding certified refurbished products, primarily limited to some Series 8 models.
Impact on Apple Watch SE and Existing Models
The Apple Watch SE, the third main offering, remains unaffected as it lacks the blood oxygen monitoring feature central to the dispute, introduced with Series 6. Existing Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring are not impacted, and they will continue to function as intended.
Geographic and Distribution Scope
This sales halt is specific to the U.S. and Apple’s sales channels. Consumers can still find these models through other outlets like Amazon, subject to availability.
Temporary Pause or Permanent Discontinuation?
The situation is described by Apple as a pause rather than a permanent discontinuation. The Presidential Review Period concludes on December 25, and if the Biden administration overturns the ruling, sales can resume. However, the timeline for this is uncertain.
Apple’s Contingency Plans and Future Steps
Apple may explore legal or settlement options with Masimo, depending on the outcome of the review. In essence, if you’re interested in acquiring an Apple Watch with blood monitoring capabilities, time is of the essence, given the current circumstances. Apple asserts its disagreement with the order and expresses its commitment to exploring legal and technical avenues to ensure continued availability for customers in the U.S. Should the order stand, Apple pledges to take all necessary measures to swiftly return the affected models to customers.
