Apple has stopped selling some Apple Watches on its website because of patent dispute

Apple has stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on its U.S. website.

When you look at Apple’s website for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, it now says “currently unavailable.” This happened on Thursday. Instead of those models, the page now shows a picture promoting the Apple Watch SE, which is a less expensive model introduced in 2022. This change is because of a legal disagreement.

Issues with Apple Watch Sales

Apple announced earlier this week that it would no longer sell its newest Watch models on its website starting Thursday and in Apple stores after Sunday. However, the Apple Watch SE is still for sale on Apple’s website, and other stores can continue selling the latest models until they run out of stock.

“After December 24, 2023, Apple no longer offers Apple Watch models in the United States that can measure blood oxygen, as stated in the small text on Apple’s product pages.

This decision comes as a response to orders from the International Trade Commission in October, which determined that the blood oxygen sensor in the device violated intellectual property owned by Masimo, a medical technology company serving hospitals. Apple is now prohibited from importing these devices, which are produced in China.”

This temporary halt implies that Apple is not offering the newest versions of one of its crucial products in its biggest market, especially during the peak season for Apple sales.

Additionally, it might pose challenges for users seeking repairs for their current watches, as it could hinder the replacement of defective older hardware that is no longer covered by warranty, as reported by Bloomberg.

Possible Veto by President Biden on ITC Ban

There is still a possibility that President Joe Biden might veto the ITC ban before Christmas, but a representative from the White House mentioned earlier this week that the final decision rests with the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters on Tuesday, “We’re closely monitoring this case and the December 25 deadline.”

According to Jean-Pierre, the U.S. trade representative “has been given the authority by the President to make these decisions,” and she mentioned that Ambassador Katherine Tai is “thoroughly reviewing all the factors in this case.”

Conclusion

Apple stopped selling certain watch models in the U.S. due to a legal issue. They now focus on promoting the Apple Watch SE. The decision to halt sales with blood oxygen measurement capability follows an order from the International Trade Commission. The possibility of President Biden vetoing the ban is uncertain, and the White House is closely watching U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s decision-making. This situation may affect users seeking repairs.