Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 Sales Suspended

In an unexpected turn of events, Apple has suspended sales of their newest models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the United States. Starting from December 21st for online sales and December 24th in retail stores, this decision follows an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling amid a patent dispute with the medical technology company Masimo. 

Reason for the Sales Halt:

The sales suspension stems from a legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, centred around the technology used in the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor. Masimo, which filed lawsuits against Apple in 2020 and 2021, accuses the tech giant of infringing patents related to this technology. The ITC's decision forced Apple's hand, leading to the halting of sales within the U.S.

Impact on Current Apple Watch Owners:

For those who already own an Apple Watch equipped with a blood oxygen sensor, there's no immediate cause for concern. The ongoing legal tussle does not affect the functionality of existing devices, and Apple won't disable the SPo2 sensor on any Apple Watch already sold.

Possibility of Overturning the Sales Ban:

The likelihood of reversing the ITC’s decision hinges on a Presidential veto, a rare occurrence in trade disputes. The 60-day review period ending on Christmas Eve seems to be approaching without indications of intervention from President Biden. This suggests that Apple is preparing for a prolonged halt in sales of the affected models in the U.S.

Potential Global Impact:

While the sales ban is currently confined to the U.S., its implications could ripple globally. If Apple is compelled to remove the disputed technology from its products in the U.S., it might lead to similar actions in other markets, including the UK and Europe. However, as of now, sales continue as usual outside the United States.

Future Developments:

The resolution of this conflict could take several paths. Apple might engage in litigation to contest the ITC's ruling, or they could seek a settlement with Masimo, possibly involving a licensing agreement for the disputed technology. The details of the case are still unfolding, and the outcome will likely influence the future availability of the latest Apple Watch models worldwide.

Conclusion:

The halt in sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. due to the patent dispute with Masimo marks a significant development in the tech industry. While the immediate impact is limited to the U.S., the situation remains dynamic, with potential global implications, particularly for markets like the UK. As the situation evolves, more details are expected to emerge, offering clarity on the future of these popular Apple products.