Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 Sales Halted Amid Dispute Over Blood Sensor Tech
2 min readApple has decided to halt the sales of its Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models due to a dispute over the device’s blood oxygen capabilities. This decision comes after the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Apple had infringed on two patents related to the Apple Watch’s pulse oximeter feature. The dispute dates back to 2020 when medical technology company Masimo filed a lawsuit against Apple.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models have been popular since their release in September. However, the dispute with Masimo has led to a major setback for Apple. The company has confirmed the report to IGN and released a statement, saying that if the order stands, it will take all measures to ensure that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are available to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.
Apple is currently in a Presidential Review Period regarding the order from the U.S. International Trade Commission. The review period will not end until December 25, and during this time, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling. This includes pausing sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple.com starting December 21 and from Apple retail locations after December 24.
Despite the setback, Apple remains optimistic about the future of its Apple Watch models. The company is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that the Apple Watch is available to customers. In the meantime, customers can still purchase the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models from third-party outlets such as Amazon and Best Buy.
In conclusion, the halt in sales of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models is a significant setback for Apple. However, the company remains committed to resolving the dispute with Masimo and ensuring that its popular watch models are available to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.