In an unexpected move on the last day of holiday shopping, Apple Inc. announced that it will soon stop selling the latest Apple Watch models in the United States. The decision is a direct response to a recent ruling in a patent dispute with Masimo, a company specializing in medical surveillance technology.
Apple Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Apple confirms Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be removed
In a statement, Apple acknowledged the following: Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be removed from the Apple online store starting December 21st, and from physical stores on Christmas Eve.
The measure is pre-emptive and in line with a potential import ban on models equipped with blood oxygen sensors, a feature that became part of the Apple Watch series in 2020. The International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a ruling in October barring Apple from including this feature. Specifically, it infringes Masimo’s patent on an app that measures blood oxygen saturation.
This judgment is currently under presidential review and a conclusion is expected by December 25th. Apple has taken a positive stance toward this legal decision, indicating that it intends to comply with the ruling if it is valid. However, an Apple spokesperson argued that the ITC’s decision was flawed and said the company would appeal.
An Apple spokesperson issued the following statement regarding this unusual disruption in Apple Watch sales:
“A presidential review period is underway regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission regarding a technical intellectual property dispute regarding Apple Watch devices with blood oxygen capabilities. The review period does not end until December 25th, but… Apple is taking proactive measures.” The ruling includes a temporary suspension of sales. apple watch series 9 and apple watch ultra 2 From Apple.com after December 21st and from Apple retail stores after December 24th.
Apple’s teams work hard to develop products and services that provide industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features for our users. Apple strongly opposes this order and is pursuing various legal and technical options to ensure customers have access to Apple Watch.
If this order remains in effect, Apple will continue to take all steps to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers as quickly as possible. ”
We reached out to the White House to understand whether President Biden intends to support Apple or uphold the ruling in favor of Mr. Masimo, but received no response as of the time this article was published. has not been obtained. Former Vice President Al Gore is a longtime Apple board member. It’s unclear whether he or other Apple representatives understand what the president is trying to do with this unusual legal challenge.
![Two latest Apple Watch models will be discontinued](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/2-Apple-Watch-sales-suspended-for-two-latest-models.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Apple Watch Series 9 (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Read more: 7 lucky people prove Apple Watch can save lives
A significant setback for Apple’s bottom line
This situation poses a major challenge for Apple. The health-focused features of the tech giant’s Apple Watch are a big selling point, especially as it moves into territory traditionally occupied by medical device makers.with series 9 and ultra 2 The impact could be significant, as Apple’s Wearables, Home, and Accessories division contributes significantly to its annual revenue, which totals more than $40 billion.
The announcement sent Apple shares down just 1.3%, a sharp contrast to the all-time high it reached last week. Conversely, Masimo stock rose, rising 3.5%.
![Two latest Apple Watch models will be discontinued](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/3-Apple-Watch-sales-suspended-for-two-latest-models.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Apple) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
More: How Apple Watch can save your next restaurant bill
Impact of Apple Watch discontinuation on customers
There is a silver lining for customers. SE modelProducts that do not include a blood oxygen sensor will continue to be sold, and current owners of Series 9 and Ultra 2 will not be affected by this discontinuation. Their devices will continue to function normally and existing devices will not be recalled.
An unprecedented blow to Apple’s year-end sales season
It is unprecedented for Apple to have to discontinue sales of a core product during its most important sales quarter. While Apple has faced patent disputes in other countries, leading to the discontinuation of older iPhone models, such a significant move in the US market, especially during the holiday season, is noteworthy. This is a reminder of the complex interplay between innovation, competition, and intellectual property law in the technology industry.
Third-party retailers may continue to offer affected models for the time being, which could help sustain Apple’s sales in the first quarter. Until now, some of his Apple products have recorded more sales through outside retailers compared to Apple’s own sales channels.
As Apple prepares for this change, retail stores have been updated with new signage and omitted specific images of affected models. This strategic marketing move can reduce customer confusion and manage expectations as the legal process continues.
For those considering purchasing apple watch series 9 or apple watch ultra 2time is of the essence. With the window of opportunity closing and the possibility of 11th-hour intervention by the Biden administration still remaining, the future availability of these models is in doubt.
More: 8 ways Apple Watch’s new Double Tap feature can change your life
Cart important points
This unfolding scenario illustrates the delicate balance Apple must maintain as it navigates the legal landscape, consumer expectations, and innovation efforts. The resolution of this dispute is likely to set a precedent for future technology patent litigation and could impact how technology companies approach developing health-related features for their devices.
Do you agree with Apple’s decision to stop selling Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US? Why or why not? Please let us know by email. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report newsletter using the link below. cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask your cart a question or let us know your story you’d like us to feature.
Answers to CyberGuy frequently asked questions:
CyberGuy Best Holiday Gift Guide
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.