Apple-Halts-Sales-of-Watch-Series-9-and-Watch-Ultra-2-in-the-US

Apple has halted the sales of  Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the US market

In an unprecedented move, Apple is set to discontinue the sale of two of its smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9, in the United States. If you're eyeing one for the holidays, time is of the essence. Let's delve into the details of why this decision has been made and what it means for potential buyers.

Apple's Unprecedented Decision:

Apple, known for its innovation, is facing an unusual predicament, compelled to remove products from sale due to an order from the International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC's involvement revolves around Apple Watches equipped with blood oxygen monitoring capabilities, a feature central to the ongoing legal battle with Masimo.

In a statement released by Apple, the company revealed, "A Presidential Review Period is in progress regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission on a technical intellectual property dispute about Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature." Apple, anticipating a potential ruling against them, is taking preemptive measures to comply should the order stand.

Timeline of the Sales Halt

Sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on apple.com will cease at 3 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, December 21. In-store purchases and online order pickups from apple.com will halt at the end of the day on Sunday, December 24. This sudden halt is indicative of the urgency Apple feels in addressing the ITC order.

Not All Apple Watches Are Affected

It's important to note that this sales suspension only affects two out of the three main Apple Watch models currently offered. The Apple Watch SE remains unaffected, as it lacks the blood oxygen monitoring feature that sparked the dispute. Furthermore, existing Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring, already sold, will continue to function as usual.

Limited Impact and Potential Resolution

The impact is confined to the U.S. market and sales through Apple channels. Alternative sources, such as Amazon, will still have inventory available, albeit while supplies last. Apple characterizes this move as a pause, signaling that it may not be a permanent discontinuation. The outcome hinges on the Presidential Review Period, set to conclude on December 25. Apple expresses disagreement with the order and vows to explore legal and technical avenues to ensure the availability of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S.