Apple will suspend the sale of two Apple Watch models in the United States starting this week. In a statement to 9to5Mac, the big tech confirmed that the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be removed from its stores (online and physical) indefinitely. The reason for this decision is Apple’s legal dispute with Masimo over the patent for the oximeter of the devices.
The suspension follows an order from the U.S. Foreign Trade Commission (ITC), which banned the import of the models into the country. Masimo accuses Apple of information theft and mishiring of its employees prior to the launch of the Apple Watch.
The suspension of sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 begins on December 21, starting at 5 pm Brasília time, for online orders. In-store sales will stop after December 24.
After the ITC called for a halt to sales, which it did on Oct. 26, only a presidential review within 60 days could reverse the decision. However, Joe Biden’s administration has not commented on the case and has until the 25th to veto the suspension. Apple chose not to wait and complied with the ITC’s order.
After the 25th, big tech is also prohibited from selling Apple Watches to retailers. The company communicated that the suspension only affects the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 as they are the models with a blood oxygen monitoring feature.
At other stores, sales will continue until stocks run out — or until the ITC’s decision is reversed. The suspension does not affect other countries where Apple is present.
