Apple Watch Sales Ban to Remove Series 9 and Ultra 2 Models from Shelves This Week
- tech360.tv
- Dec 19, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2023
In a significant development, Apple has announced that it will halt sales of its latest Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the United States this week.
The decision comes as a result of an ongoing patent dispute surrounding the blood oxygen sensor used in the watches.
The move will impact both online sales, with the watches becoming unavailable on Apple's website from December 21, and retail stores, which will discontinue sales from December 24. The patent dispute revolves around allegations made by medical technology firm Masimo, which claims that Apple's blood oxygen sensor technology has been stolen from its own products.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in October, upholding a judge's decision. However, there has been a 60-day Presidential Review Period, allowing US President Joe Biden the opportunity to veto the ruling. This review period is set to expire on Christmas Eve.
While presidential vetoes are rare, Apple has experienced a similar situation in the past. In 2013, a ban on the iPhone 4 and certain iPad models imposed by the ITC was overturned after former President Barack Obama vetoed it. Apple is now taking preemptive measures to comply with the potential ban, pausing sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models on its website and in retail locations.
An Apple spokesperson has stated that the company strongly disagrees with the order and is actively pursuing legal and technical options to ensure that the Apple Watch remains available to customers. They also emphasized that the Apple Watch SE, which does not feature the disputed blood oxygen sensor, will not be affected by the sales ban.
The outcome of the ongoing patent dispute and the potential ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales will have significant implications for both Apple and consumers. As the ruling deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the US President's decision and the subsequent actions taken by Apple to address the situation.
Apple will halt sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US this week due to a patent dispute.
The dispute revolves around the blood oxygen sensor technology used in the watches, with medical technology firm Masimo claiming it has been stolen from their products.
Source: Independent
