Apple US activates full halt on Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales

It’s the holiday season and you won’t be able to buy the new Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 after Apple activated a full halt on both online and offline sales for these two smartwatches in the US.

Following its store opening on December 26, you won’t see new availability for Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 via official sales channels.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple has made some changes to its marketing strategy. Unlike promoting specific watch models, the iPhone maker would pursue only the “Apple Watch” in its advertisement.

What’s the matter?

The latest decision from Apple is the outcome of a legal battle against Masimo, a medical technology company.

Masimo claims that Apple is using its patented blood oxygen monitoring technology in Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Subsequently, it infringes on Masimo’s patent rights.

The medical tech firm also blames Apple for hiring its key employees to equip this blood oxygen technology in its smartwatches.

Masimo filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) and appealed for a ban on these Apple watches. ITC ruled in favor of Masimo and announced a ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.

However, Apple has denied these allegations and argues that there was no violation of Masimo’s patents in its new smartwatches. The Cupertino-based company reportedly working on measures to resume Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales for US customers.

The new measurements from Apple might include a change in software to exclude such features. Furthermore, it planned to file an appeal against ITC’s ruling of the case with the US Court of Appeals.

And one more thing, the White House also has this new patent feud on its table. It carries the power to veto ITC’s decision and revert the ban on Apple Watches.

The top office in the US said last week that it’s closely tracking the situation around the Apple smartwatch ban. However, there was no mention of any remedy for the watchmaker in that statement from the Biden administration.

Third-party stores:

Despite its official halt, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 would still be available in the US via Amazon and Best Buy where the existing stock is still in action.