Apple temporarily halts sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US. Here's why

Apple is temporarily ceasing sales of two recently released smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the U.S. The discontinuation is a response to a ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission, which found that Apple's blood oxygen feature infringed on the patent rights of medical technology company Masimo. The removal of these devices from Apple's website is scheduled for 3 p.m.

ET Thursday, and they will no longer be available in Apple retail stores after Sunday. Apple plans to challenge the decision, expressing concern about the potential impact on users relying on the watches' safety and health features.

"Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers," the company said in an emailed statement to USA Today. Should the ITC's order stand, "Apple will continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”


Why are sales halted?
The move follows allegations by Masimo, based in Irvine, California, claiming that Apple utilized blood-oxygen tracking technology infringing on its patents. Apple introduced the blood oxygen feature with the Series 6 Apple Watch in 2020. In response to a complaint filed by Masimo in 2021, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued orders in October to prohibit Apple from importing and selling watches incorporating the blood oxygen feature.

"The decision to exclude certain foreign-made models of the Apple Watch demonstrates that even the world's most powerful company must abide by the law,” Masimo said in an emailed statement.

In a reciprocal move, Apple has accused Masimo of patent infringement, initiating two lawsuits against the company in response to Masimo's introduction of its own smartwatch last year. Although the White House has until Dec. 25 to review the ITC's restrictions, Apple decided to halt sales early to ensure compliance with the ITC’s order in case the ruling is upheld.

Are other products affected?
Apple's website indicates that the Blood Oxygen app is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, excluding the Apple Watch SE. While the Apple Watch SE remains available for purchase, both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models will be discontinued in the U.S. Apple stores after Sunday.

However, these watches will still be available for purchase outside the U.S., and the ITC's order won't impact previously purchased Apple Watches. Apple's wearables, home, and accessories segment accounted for over $9 billion in the last quarter, comprising approximately 10% of total net sales.