What's Preventing Apple from Selling Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watches in the US?

Apple faces a sales ban in the US for its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, stemming from a patent dispute with Masimo. The ITC ruling prohibits their sale in the US from December 24. Apple is exploring legal options while continuing sales elsewhere globally.

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Apple encountered a substantial setback in the US market with its latest smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Effective December 21, these sought-after wearables will cease their sale across Apple Stores in the country, as decreed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). The impending cutoff date for in-store purchases or online deliveries falls on December 24, aligning with Christmas Eve.

This move arises from a longstanding patent conflict between Apple and Masimo, a renowned producer of high-precision medical tools, including pulse oximeters employed for gauging blood oxygen levels. The crux of the dispute revolves around Apple's alleged infringement upon Masimo's proprietary blood oxygen sensing technology embedded within the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches.

Amid this restriction, the Apple Watch SE 2, a more budget-friendly option within Apple's recent releases, remains exempt. Its omission of a blood oxygen level sensor spares it from the brunt of the ITC ruling.

Interestingly, while sales encounter a halt within the US borders, other nations like India and the United Kingdom can continue their purchases of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Series 9, remaining unaffected by the ITC verdict.

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Apple, in response, mentions an ongoing "presidential review period" concerning the ITC's decision. Expressing disagreement with the order, Apple fervently explores both legal and technical avenues to ensure sustained access to the Apple Watch for its customers. Sales from Apple's official website cease on December 21, with Apple retail locations adhering to the restriction after December 24. However, if unaltered, Apple asserts its commitment to promptly reinstate the availability of both watches within the US market.

The repercussions of this ban linger over Apple's speculated redesign of the Apple Watch, currently in the developmental pipeline. The timing of this development, coinciding with the holiday season, amplifies the anticipation surrounding its potential implications for the tech giant's future plans and market strategies.