Apple to Stop Selling Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Ahead of Ban

Apple has made a surprising announcement regarding the Apple Watch, stating that it will no longer sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to a ban from the International Trade Commission (ITC), despite it being the final week of Christmas shopping. While there is a possibility that the Biden administration may veto the ban, Apple seems prepared to comply with the decision.

The ITC found that Apple had violated Masimo patents related to the technology used for blood oxygen readings on the premium models. Apple is reportedly working to make changes to the software algorithms to address this issue, but it is unlikely to be ready in time for the ban scheduled on December 25th.

Opportunity to Buy Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Before Ban

Those interested in purchasing a new Apple Watch should take advantage of the available deals on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 before the ban takes effect.

Sources familiar with the situation have informed Bloomberg (via MacRumors) that Apple engineers are planning to make changes to how oxygen saturation is determined and presented to customers. These updates aim to eliminate the technology that violates Masimo’s patents.

Masimo has stated that it does not believe a software change is sufficient to prevent the Apple Watch ban, indicating that hardware changes are necessary.

An Apple spokesperson informed Bloomberg that the company is working on submitting a workaround, suggesting that Apple believes there is a solution that resolves the patent infringement issue without modifying the hardware. However, proper testing must be conducted before implementing any updates, making it unlikely to be available before the sales have to cease.

Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in September during the iPhone 15 event. It is highly unlikely that Apple will make any hardware changes to the devices, as it could take several months to implement a fix.

The ban was ordered by the ITC in October, and it is unclear why Apple has only recently begun working on resolving the issue. Speculation suggests that the company may have anticipated a presidential veto, similar to the one issued by President Obama in 2013 for a ban related to the iPhone.

One potential solution could be licensing the technology from Masimo, although there is currently no indication of any settlement talks taking place.

To purchase an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 in time for Christmas, the best option is to buy directly from Apple before sales cease this week, both in stores and online. Another alternative is to try and find the models through Apple’s partners; however, stock availability may be limited. After December 25th, only the Apple Watch SE 2 will be available from Apple, as it is the only model in Apple’s lineup that does not include hardware for blood oxygen readings.

Apple will likely appeal the ITC’s ruling, especially if President Biden’s administration does not veto the ban. It is important to note that the ban pertains only to the US market, and the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will continue to be available internationally until Apple resumes sales.