Apple has revealed its decision to temporarily suspend sales of its prominent Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, specifically within the United States.
This move, per a recent announcement reported by 9to5Mac, comes in response to an ongoing patent dispute with medical technology firm Masimo concerning the blood oxygen sensor technology embedded in Apple Watches.
Here's What to Know
Apple will halt selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 online at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21. Simultaneously, in-store purchases at Apple retail locations will be discontinued after December 24. The International Trade Commission (ITC) had issued the ruling in October, affirming a prior decision from January and initiating a 60-day Presidential Review Period under the Biden administration.
An Apple Watch Ultra 2 device is displayed for sale at The Grove Apple retail store on release day in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2023.
This disclosure serves as a proactive measure by Apple to align with the ITC's decision, given that the Presidential Review Period concludes on December 25. While President Biden retains the authority to veto the ruling, such action has not been exercised to date.
The ITC's prohibition specifically applies to the sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, distinguished by their inclusion of blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. Conversely, the Apple Watch SE, lacking this particular sensor, remains unaffected and continues to be available for purchase. Despite the ITC's current limitations on direct sales through Apple's official channels, these devices will still be accessible through alternative retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
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Apple's Response to ITC Order
In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple clarified its stance, emphasizing its dissent with the ITC's order. Apple is investigating legal and technological means to appeal the ruling and maintain Apple Watch product availability.
"Apple's teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features. 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," the tech giant's statement reads, according to TechCrunch.
If the verdict stands, Apple will take all necessary steps to speed up the return of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to US customers.
PC Mag cited a Reuters report that delved into the protracted legal conflict, tracing its origins back to 2013 when Apple engaged in discussions with Masimo regarding a potential collaboration. Masimo alleges that Apple utilized these discussions to identify and recruit talent, including its chief medical officer, with the explicit intention of appropriating its blood oxygen sensor technology. The dispute escalated when the Apple Watch Series 6, featuring a blood oxygen sensor, was introduced in 2020.
Subsequently, Masimo filed a lawsuit in a district court, followed by a complaint with the ITC due to a lack of expeditious progress in the district court case. Despite a mistrial in May for the district court case, the ITC ruled in favor of Masimo in October.
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