As Apple Stores in the United States begin closing today, the halt on sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 officially goes into effect. Apple removed its flagship Apple Watches from its online store on Thursday, and now they're being removed from Apple Stores too.
When Apple Stores reopen after Christmas on December 26th, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 will not be available.
Apple Watch sales ban: The latest news
The ban on sales of the Apple Watch is part of a long-standing patent dispute between Apple and the medical device manufacturer Masimo. The ITC ruled in October that the blood oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 infringed two Masimo patents.
Following the ITC decision, the case was referred to the Biden administration for a 60-day presidential review. Meanwhile, President Biden could veto the ruling but has so far chosen not to act. The presidential review period officially ends after December 25, so it is still possible that President Biden will intervene at the last minute and veto the ITC decision.
After December 25th, Apple will be prohibited from importing or selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. Apple made the decision to remove the devices from its website on December 21 and from Apple Stores starting today as part of its efforts to “preemptively” comply with the ITC's decision.
The Apple Watch is no longer available in Apple Stores
After the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 were removed from Apple's website on Friday, the two devices are no longer available in Apple Stores. Most Apple Stores in the United States close at 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.
When Apple Stores reopen on December 26th, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be available for purchase. As Mark Gurman reports, Apple Stores have been shipped New marketing materials promoting the Apple Watch SE, which remains available because it lacks the blood oxygen sensor.
In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple said it will “continue to take all measures to return the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the United States as quickly as possible.”
Apple also told 9to5Mac that it will appeal the ITC's final decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on December 26.
There are currently no further details about how long the Apple Watch will be unavailable in the US.
For now, the devices are still available at other retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. However, once these retailers' existing supply is exhausted, they will no longer be able to replenish their inventory.
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