In an unprecedented move, tech giant Apple is set to suspend the sales of two of its flagship smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the United States. The surprising decision is a result of an ongoing intellectual property dispute with medical technology company Masimo regarding the blood oxygen sensor technology incorporated into these devices. This article delves into the reasons behind Apple’s drastic action, the implications for consumers, and the potential outcomes of this legal battle.
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Reasons for Halting Sales:
The primary reason behind Apple’s decision to stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. is a combination of an agency order and an ongoing litigation with Masimo. Apple has been engaged in a protracted legal battle with Masimo over the intellectual property rights related to the blood oxygen sensor technology featured in the Apple Watch. Unfortunately for Apple, it appears that they have lost the dispute, prompting the company to take the unprecedented step of removing these models from the market.
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The legal saga came to light when 9to5Mac reported on Apple’s official statement, which cited an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission related to a technical intellectual property dispute. Apple’s statement revealed that a Presidential Review Period is currently underway, set to conclude on December 25. During this review period, Apple is taking preemptive measures to comply with potential rulings, even though the final decision is yet to be determined.
Implications for Consumers:
The suspension of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 has significant implications for consumers, especially those considering purchasing these devices ahead of the holidays. Sales on Apple’s official website will cease at 3 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, December 21, with in-store purchases and online order pickups ending at the close of Sunday, December 24. Consumers are urged to act quickly if they wish to acquire these models before the sales pause takes effect.
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However, it’s important to note that this move only affects the U.S. market and Apple’s official sales channels. Alternative sources like Amazon will still carry these models while stocks last, providing an option for consumers who miss out on the official sales window.
Excluded Models and Potential Resolution:
Notably, not all Apple Watch models are affected by this decision. The Apple Watch SE, which lacks the blood oxygen monitoring feature at the center of the dispute, remains available for purchase. Additionally, certified refurbished products, mainly Series 8 models, are exempt from the sales halt.
The future of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 remains uncertain. Apple characterizes the suspension as a pause, and the company is actively pursuing legal and technical avenues to ensure the availability of these devices to customers. The Presidential Review Period concluding on December 25 will determine whether sales can resume. If the Biden administration decides to overturn the ruling, Apple could potentially resume sales, though the timeline for such a resumption remains unclear. Apple may also explore other avenues such as appealing the decision or reaching a settlement with Masimo.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Apple’s decision to halt U.S. sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is a significant development arising from a complex intellectual property dispute. The outcome of the ongoing legal battle will shape the future availability of these popular smartwatches. As consumers face a limited window to purchase these models, the tech community watches closely to see how Apple navigates the challenges posed by the legal and regulatory landscape.