Apple to pause Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales in the US

Apple is reportedly halting sales of the flagship Apple Watches in the United States due to the ruling in the patent dispute case.

As per a recent report by 9to5Mac, Apple will suspend the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 across the country. The decision came after ITC’s ruling in the long-running patent dispute case between Apple and Masimo, a medical technology company, over the blood oxygen sensor technology.

The decision from the International Trade Commission came in October, following which the case was sent for a 60-day Presidential Review Period. During this 60-day period, President Biden has the power to veto this ruling. As this review period is ending on December 25th and no action has been taken by the Biden administration, Apple is taking steps in adherence to ITC’s verdict.

Following the ruling, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will not be available for purchase on Apple’s website from December 21st. As far as the in-store stock is concerned, the watches will not be available starting December 24th. For time being, Amazon and Best Buy can continue to sell the watches. 

However, the Apple Watch SE 2 (curr. US$279 on Amazon) and other watches that do not have a blood oxygen sensor will be available for purchase as usual. Further, Apple will still be able to sell the two flagship watches outside of the US.