Apple Halts Online Sales of Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Amid Patent Dispute

Apple Halts Sales of Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Amid Patent Dispute

In a surprising turn of events, Apple has officially halted online sales of its Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. The decision comes after a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in October, following a patent dispute with California-based med tech firm, Masimo.

The dispute revolves around the blood sensor monitor featured on Apple’s latest flagship smartwatch. Masimo claims that Apple’s use of pulse oximetry technology infringes on its patents, leading to the ITC ruling and subsequent halt in sales.

Apple will be implementing the sales suspension starting at 3 P.M. on December 21 through its online store, with retail locations following suit on December 24. This move comes just before the holiday season, impacting customers who were planning to purchase the popular smartwatches as gifts.

In response to the ruling, Apple has stated that it strongly disagrees with the order and is exploring legal and technical options to ensure the availability of the Apple Watch to its customers. The company is currently in a Presidential Review Period regarding the ITC order, with plans to appeal the decision.

Masimo, on the other hand, has accused Apple of infringing on its patents and attempting to block the sale of its own wrist-worn product in the U.S. market. The dispute between the two companies dates back to 2021, with Masimo claiming that Apple hired its employees and introduced similar technology in its Series 6 smartwatch.

The primary focus of the dispute is on pulse oximetry technology, which is used to detect blood flow and oxygen levels. Masimo recently received FDA clearance for its own wrist-worn product, adding another layer to the ongoing legal battle between the two tech giants.

As the situation continues to unfold, customers and industry experts are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings and the potential impact on the availability of Apple’s popular smartwatch models.