Apple Pauses Sales of Apple Watches in US Amid Patent Dispute

Apple temporarily suspends sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute over the Blood Oxygen feature. The decision follows a ruling by the International Trade Commission.

If you're planning to purchase the latest Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 models for the upcoming holidays, you may want to act quickly as their availability in the US is at risk due to an international patent dispute.

ITC Ruling Restricts Apple Watches with Blood Oxygen Feature

The issue stems from an October decision by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that restricted the sale of Apple Watches with the Blood Oxygen measurement feature in the US. This restriction is a result of an intellectual property dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo.

White House Review Period Ends, Apple Pauses Sales Early

The White House had a 60-day review period to assess the ITC order issued on October 26. During this time, Apple could have continued selling the affected models in the US. However, Apple announced on Monday that it is voluntarily pausing sales ahead of the Christmas holiday to ensure compliance with the ITC order.

Apple Pledges to Resume Sales if Ban Isn't Overturned

If the ITC's sales ban remains in place, Apple has pledged to take all necessary measures to resume sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US as soon as possible.

Apple Watch SE Unaffected, Previously Purchased Watches Not Impacted

It's important to note that the Apple Watch SE, which lacks the Blood Oxygen feature, will remain available for purchase in the US after Christmas Eve. Additionally, previously purchased Apple Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen feature are not affected by the ITC order.