Apple Halts Sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Inc. has officially announced that it will no longer be selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This decision comes as a proactive measure to comply with an upcoming U.S. import ban on the blood-oxygen sensors included in these products.

Important Details about the Sales Halt

Starting on December 21, Apple will temporarily pause online sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Then, on December 24, these watches will also be removed from Apple retail locations. Unfortunately, this means that customers will have to find an alternative holiday gift, as these popular devices will be unavailable just days before Christmas.

Apple's Response to the Ruling

Apple has publicly expressed its disagreement with the ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission. According to the commission, Apple infringed on medical-tech patents owned by a California-based company called Masimo. In response, Apple stated, "Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers."

Can You Still Purchase the Apple Watch?

Yes, there is still some time left to buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 directly from Apple before the sales halt takes effect. However, after the halt, consumers can still purchase these watches from non-Apple retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Walmart's spokesperson has confirmed that the company will continue selling the impacted Apple watches, as long as their inventory lasts. So, if you're interested in getting your hands on one of these watches, there are still options available even after Apple stops selling them.

Apple Watch Series 9 Faces Potential Sales Ban

The Apple Watch Series 9 is facing a potential sales ban after the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) ruled in favor of a patent infringement case against Apple. The USITC found that certain features of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models infringed on patents held by a South Korean company.

Retailers such as Target and Best Buy have not yet commented on the ruling. However, it's worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 9 initially debuted at a price of $399 in September. With holiday shopping season discounts, consumers might have a chance to purchase it at a lower price.

If you're already an owner of an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, there's no cause for concern. The watches will continue to operate normally despite the sales ban. Apple has also confirmed that the blood-oxygen feature will remain operational.

For those experiencing any malfunctions, Apple will still offer repairs and troubleshooting services for these watches.

The Biden administration has 60 days to overrule the USITC's order and potentially avoid the sales ban on these Apple Watch models.

Apple does not provide specific sales data for its watch products, but it contributes to the broader wearable, home, and accessories revenue category. In the company's latest fiscal quarter ending on September 30th, this category generated $9.3 billion in revenue.

Apple Inc. stocks rose by 0.54% during Tuesday's trading session and have seen a significant increase of 51.57% so far this year.