Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pulled from Apple Stores Amid Patent Dispute
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be available for sale at Apple Stores in the United States. The decision comes as a result of an ongoing patent dispute between Apple and medical device company Masimo.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) had ruled back in October that the blood oxygen sensor in the Apple Watches infringes on two Masimo patents. This prompted the case to be sent to the Biden administration for a 60-day Presidential Review Period. During this time, President Biden had the option to veto the ruling but chose not to intervene thus far.
As of December 25, Apple will be barred from importing or selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US. In compliance with the ITC’s ruling, Apple made the decision to remove these devices from its website on December 21 and from Apple Stores on the day of closure.
When Apple Stores reopen on December 26, customers will find that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will not be available for purchase. However, Apple has reassured its customers that it will “continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible.” The tech giant plans to file an appeal with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The duration of the Apple Watch’s unavailability in the US remains uncertain at this point. In the meantime, consumers still have the option to purchase the devices from other outlets such as Amazon and Best Buy. However, once the existing supply is exhausted, there will be no restocking of these models.
This setback has surely disappointed Apple enthusiasts who were eagerly waiting for the newest additions to the Apple Watch lineup. As the court battle wages on, only time will tell when these popular wearables will make their anticipated return to the Apple ecosystem.
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