As promised, Apple has officially removed the Watch Series 9 from its online shop. News of the surprise move came earlier this week, when the company admitted that an ongoing patent dispute had forced it to temporarily suspend sales of its flagship smartwatch. When you click to visit the site, instead of a “Buy” button you’ll see the words “Currently Unavailable.”
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is similarly unavailable. However, you can purchase his entry-level Apple Watch SE. This is likely due to the product’s relatively limited onboard health metrics. You can also get Series 9 through other online sources. Amazon, for example, still promises pre-Christmas delivery in some areas.
The wearable device will continue to be available at brick-and-mortar Apple Stores until Christmas Eve. If you’ve already ordered the watch online and want to pick it up in-store, you can still do so until December 24th, the company confirmed to TechCrunch.
The patent battle between Apple and health tech company Masimo has been well documented over the past few years. But even though Apple lost some important rulings, Monday’s announcement still came as a surprise to many given its unprecedented nature.
In a statement provided to TechCrunch earlier this week, the company said it intends to continue to contest the decision.
A presidential review period is underway regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission regarding a technical intellectual property dispute regarding Apple Watch devices with blood oxygen capabilities. The review period doesn’t end until December 25th, but Apple is taking preemptive steps to comply if the ruling stands. This includes suspending sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com starting December 21st, and at Apple retail stores starting December 24th.
Apple’s teams work hard to develop products and services that provide industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features for our users. Apple strongly opposes this order and is pursuing various legal and technical options to ensure customers have access to Apple Watch.
If this order remains in effect, Apple will continue to take all steps to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers as quickly as possible.
At the heart of the battle is an optical imaging sensor used to monitor the wearer’s heart rate. Apple adopted similar technology back in 2020 with the introduction of his Series 6. Among other things, Masimo accused the hardware giant of poaching key talent. Apple claims it has “begun hiring Masimo employees, starting with Masimo’s Chief Medical Officer.”
There’s never a perfect time to stop selling your biggest products, but the holiday season is especially problematic. Apple has been able to keep sales completely open, but some people may be opening rain checks this year.
Source: techcrunch.com
