Apple’s online store and retail outlets will no longer sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 after December 24. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ordered the ban due to patent disputes with Masimo, a medical technology company. The ban affects models with blood oxygen monitoring, and Apple is appealing the decision. They have also filed patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo and are considering options to address the ban, including possibly deactivating the controversial feature. Consumers can still purchase older Apple Watch models or the Apple SE, which lacks the blood oxygen monitor, from third-party retailers. The import ban takes effect on December 26, leading to limited availability through existing stock from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
The End of an Era: The Discontinuation of Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra
