As a result of a patent verdict against the firm, Apple has stated that it would discontinue sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States before Christmas.
This is a dramatic and rare situation in the world of technology, and we’re sure Apple Watch owners and prospective buyers of the best Apple Watches have a lot of questions about it, so we’ve put up a FAQ to answer them.
Why are Apple Watches being pulled from store shelves in the United States?
According to a corporate statement, Apple is taking steps to comply with an order from the International Trade Commission, or ITC, due to a “technical intellectual property dispute pertaining to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature.” The restriction is the result of a patent dispute between Apple and a firm called Masimo over the blood oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch, as Apple and Masimo disagree about the sensor’s use in Apple goods.
Will my ordered Apple Watch arrive in time for Christmas?
If you’ve already paid for your Apple Watch for delivery or pick-up before Christmas, it should arrive as planned.
How long will Apple continue to offer the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?
Apple can continue to sell these devices online until 3pm ET / 10am PT on December 21, 2023 in the United States. Physical Apple Store locations in the United States can continue to sell the models until December 24, 2023. If you order online for pick-up at an Apple Store, you will be able to do so until December 24, 2023.
I purchased an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 to pick up in-store. Is it still available?
Yes, till the 24th of December, 2023.
How about the Apple Watch SE?
The current Apple Watch SE 2 is unaffected because the patent that Apple was found to be infringing only applies to the blood oxygen sensor included in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, and the Apple Watch SE lacks this sensor.
What about prior Apple Watch models, such as the Apple Watch 8 or 7, or the original Apple Watch Ultra?
Though these three devices share the same blood oxygen sensor as the newer models, Apple has told TechRadar that the features and functioning of those who already own these devices will not be affected.
Will Apple Watches continue to be sold outside of the United States?
Yes, this ban solely applies to the United States.
Which stores are affected?
Apple retailers, both online and in-store, will cease selling the impacted watches as soon as the ban takes effect. Retailers such as Best Buy and Target will not have to stop selling devices they already have in their possession, but Apple will not be able to sell them any more stock after December 25, 2023. So, while these stores can sell the gadgets, once they are sold out, no more will be delivered until the prohibition is lifted.
When will the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 be available again?
We have no idea. Apple has stated that it is “preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand,” and we will learn more once the Presidential Review Period concludes on December 25, 2023. Apple intends to appeal the decision.
What happens to the watches that are currently on the market?
Retailers other than Apple will be able to sell their stock even if the prohibition goes into effect on December 25, 2023, as expected. We don’t know what will happen to the stock at Apple Stores; we expect Apple to keep it in anticipation of the prohibition being lifted in 2024.
Masimo, who are you?
Masimo is a “global medical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative noninvasive patient monitoring technologies,” according to its website. Masimo creates technology and sensors to monitor health metrics in hospitals and at home, as well as specialist hospital equipment and consumer items such as – you guessed it – watches with blood oxygen sensors.
Could Apple lose this fight?
It’s historically unlikely. Apple is currently facing various legal issues, as it has in the past, yet we don’t recall ever seeing Apple product sales suspended previously. Back in February, we looked at the history of these types of battles and noted that President Obama vetoed a significant ban on iPhones and iPads, resulting in a key victory and allowing Apple to continue selling its goods. But there is always the first time….
