In a surprising turn of events, Apple has officially ceased the sale of two popular models, the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, on its online platform. This move comes in response to a legal dispute over a blood oxygen monitoring patent, leading to their removal from the Apple Store.
Apple Watch Ban: Official and Unprecedented
Upon visiting the Apple website post-removal, users will find both the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 labeled as “Currently Unavailable.” Digging deeper into the product pages reveals a small-print notice indicating that, as of December 24, 2023, Apple no longer offers Apple Watch units in the United States equipped with blood oxygen measurement capabilities.
Expanded Ban Coverage
The ban extends beyond the standard Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models, encompassing even the special edition Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès variants. Notably, the Apple Watch SE 2, lacking a SpO2 monitor, remains unaffected and is still available for purchase.
In-Store Restrictions and Third-Party Alternatives
From December 24, in-store purchases will also be subject to the ban, legally enforced starting December 26. While third-party sales remain an option for those eager to acquire an Apple Watch immediately, restocking delays are anticipated, especially if major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy experience depleted supplies.
Moreover, it’s crucial to note that the ban exclusively impacts the U.S. market, leaving users in other regions free to purchase the affected watches without hindrance.
Ban Origin and Implications
To provide context, the U.S. International Trade Commission, through a formal order, prohibits Apple from selling Apple Watches featuring blood oxygen monitoring. This technology, introduced in the 2020 Apple Watch 6, is deemed to infringe upon patents owned by Masimo, a California-based company.
Apple’s attempts to temporarily lift the ban pending an appeal have been unsuccessful. Sales will remain halted until Apple and Masimo reach an agreement, with potential resolutions including producing new Apple Watch models without the contested technology, implementing a software patch to disable blood oxygen monitoring, or opting for a financial settlement.
Beyond Sales: Impact on Repairs
Beyond affecting new sales, the Apple Watch ban poses challenges for users seeking repairs for their existing devices. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that Apple is refraining from offering out-of-warranty hardware repairs for the Apple Watch 6 and later models. This is attributed to the complexity of repairs, often resulting in the issuance of brand-new watches.
Limited Options for Existing Owners
Owners of malfunctioning Apple Watches are advised to retain their devices until a resolution is reached. For those still within the one-year warranty period or with AppleCare coverage, assistance remains available as usual. However, in-store exchanges are temporarily suspended, leaving refunds as the sole recourse.
While watch bands and related accessories can still be exchanged, the limitation on watch replacements poses challenges for users seeking specific configurations.
Exploring Alternatives
The Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, previously lauded on our best smartwatches list, are currently unavailable. However, users have a plethora of alternative choices in the smartwatch market. As we await a resolution between Apple and Masimo, the hope is for a swift conclusion, allowing users to make informed and trouble-free smartwatch purchases in the near future.
