Latest Apple Watch Models No Longer Available for Online Purchase in the US
Apple has stopped selling the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from its online store in the United States. That’s exactly what was expected to happen on December 21, following an order by the US ITC to stop imports of the latest Apple Watches by December 26 due to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo.
Both watches can still be purchased in person at official Apple stores until December 24. Additionally, US residents can continue to purchase from third-party retailers such as Best Buy until supplies last, of course.
US customers still have options when it comes to the Apple Watch, but they can now only buy the cheaper Apple Watch SE 2, which lacks the SpO2 sensor technology.
Why this feud, you ask? The ITC claims that Apple’s SpO2 blood oxygen sensor in its latest Apple Watches infringes patents owned by Masimo.
Since the initial announcement, Apple has struggled to find a solution – and this has included putting the temporary ban on hold as it awaits an appeal. However, this was clearly forbidden.
According to Bloomberg, the iPhone maker is also trying to make changes to the SpO2 detection algorithm to appease regulators, but Masimo believes this won’t work because the patents are hardware-based and the adjustment software isn’t effective. Another way for Apple to curb this ban is a potential presidential veto by the Biden administration, but this review period also ends on December 25.
It remains to be seen how Apple will deal with this situation, especially given the current holiday season in the US – a time when many are shopping for gifts for their loved ones.
