Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices are on display for sale at The Grove Apple retail store in Los Angeles on launch day, September 22, 2023.
Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images
apple According to CNBC Check, the company has stopped selling its smart watches “Apple Watch Series 9” and “Apple Watch Ultra 2” on its US website.
A visit to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 websites on Thursday said they were “currently unavailable.” The page currently features promotional images for the Apple Watch SE, a low-cost model that is free from patent disputes and first introduced in 2022.
Apple announced earlier this week that it would stop selling its latest models on its website starting Thursday and in the Apple Store starting Sunday. The Apple Watch SE will continue to be available from Apple, allowing retailers to sell the latest model while supplies last.
According to the fine print on Apple’s product page, “Starting December 24, 2023, Apple will no longer sell Apple Watch units with the ability to measure blood oxygen in the United States.”
The suspension of sales was in response to an order from the International Trade Commission in October that found the device’s blood oxygen sensor infringed on U.S. intellectual property. Masimo, a medical technology company that sells to hospitals. Apple will be banned from importing devices manufactured in China.
The suspension means Apple isn’t selling the latest model of one of its most important products in its biggest market, during the company’s busiest sales time of the year.
It could also make it more difficult for users to repair their existing watches, as broken old hardware can no longer be replaced outside of warranty. According to Bloomberg News.
Apple representatives did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Apple stock fell slightly in Thursday trading.
President Joe Biden could still veto the ITC ban before Christmas, but a White House press secretary said earlier this week that the decision would rest with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. .
“We are tracking this incident and the Dec. 25 deadline,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday.
Jean-Pierre said the U.S. Trade Representative “has the president’s delegated authority to make these decisions,” adding that Ambassador Katherine Tai is “carefully considering all elements of this matter.” he added.
Don’t miss the next story from CNBC PRO.
