Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales halted in US amid patent dispute with Masimo

In a significant development, Apple has ceased the sale of its flagship smartwatches, the 'Apple Watch Series 9' and 'Apple Watch Ultra 2,' at its retail stores in the United States. The move comes as a response to an import ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) following a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo.

The decision to pull the latest smartwatches from Apple's online store last week has now extended to its physical locations. As Apple Stores are set to reopen after the Christmas holiday, customers will no longer have the option to purchase the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This halt in sales is a direct consequence of the ITC's ruling in October, which found that the blood oxygen sensor in these watches infringes on two Masimo patents.

While the case has entered a 60-day Presidential Review Period, with the decision officially ending after December 25, President Joe Biden has yet to intervene or veto the ITC's ruling. There remains a possibility that President Biden could choose to act during the last minute of the Review Period.

In response to the situation, Apple has taken measures to address the impact on customers. The company is set to promote the 'Watch SE' at its retail stores, a model that remains available as it lacks the blood oxygen sensor that is the subject of the patent dispute. Apple has expressed its commitment to exhausting all avenues to expedite the return of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US.

Anticipating the need for further legal action, Apple plans to file an appeal of the ITC's final decision with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on December 26. The ongoing patent dispute revolves around the blood oxygen sensor (SpO2 sensor) technology embedded in the Apple Watch, marking a prolonged legal battle between Apple and Masimo, a prominent medical technology company.