Apple fails to postpone the ban on the Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 – here’s where you can still get them

Apple has failed in a last-ditch plea to postpone a sales ban on the Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2, which means that both smartwatches will no longer be available online in the United States as of today. Fortunately, many stores will be able to fill the void – for the time being.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) revealed in a new filing that it had denied Apple’s request to postpone the ban until the conclusion of an appeal hearing. As a result, Apple will be compelled to carry out its intention to remove the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 off its shelves.

After 3 p.m. ET on December 21, you will be unable to purchase the Watch 9 or Ultra 2 from Apple Stores online. The smartwatches will be available for pickup or delivery until December 24; after that, your only options will be the main stores.

Fortunately, most retailers presently have plenty of supply (as shown in the table below), but this will not last forever – once the import restriction takes effect, those stores will no longer be able to purchase additional stock.

We’ve compiled several entries for wearables into a few of tables. If you’re interested, act quickly because once they’re gone, they’re gone. These platforms will not be replenished once they have sold out.

Apple Watch 9

Apple Watch Series 2

The ban only applies to these two models. The Apple Watch SE is safe because it lacks blood oxygen monitoring. Also, if you already have an Apple Watch 9, Ultra 2, or a previous model, the technology will continue to function normally. There will most likely be no patch that disables blood oxygen monitoring or anything like.

What comes next?

So, what is Apple’s strategy going forward? To begin, the corporation has stated that it will appeal the verdict to the Federal Circuit in the hopes of having it overturned. According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a software upgrade that will modify the feature to circumvent the restriction.

According to Masimo CEO Joe Kiani, the patent issue is about hardware, not software, hence the patch will not help. He is, nevertheless, prepared to work things out with them.

Some have suggested that President Biden veto the measure. He is authorized to do so. Whether or if he does appears to be dependent on what US Trade Representative Katherine Tai decides. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, told reporters Ambassador Tai is “considering all of the factors in this case [and] has the authority to decide” what would happen to Apple Watch models.

The devices may return one day, but no one knows for sure at the present.