Apple Halts Sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Apple – In an unprecedented move, Apple is set to temporarily stop selling two of its smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9, in the United States. The company cites an agency order and ongoing litigation, particularly related to a dispute with medical technology firm Masimo over the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology—a conflict Apple has, for now, lost.

Timing of the Sales Halt

Sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on apple.com will cease at 3 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, December 21. In-store purchases and online order pickups will halt at the end of the day on Sunday, December 24.

Is It All Apple Watches?

No, it specifically affects the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, leaving the Apple Watch SE unaffected, as it lacks the disputed blood oxygen monitoring feature introduced with Series 6. Previously sold Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring remain unaffected.

Geographic Impact

The sales pause applies exclusively to the United States and only through Apple’s official channels. Other retailers, such as Amazon, will still have the product available while supplies last.

Temporary or Permanent?

Described as a pause by Apple, the halt is contingent on the outcome of a Presidential Review Period set to conclude on December 25. If the ruling is overturned, sales can resume, but the timeline is uncertain. Apple has expressed disagreement with the order and is exploring legal and technical avenues to ensure the availability of the Apple Watch.

In essence, time is ticking for those seeking an Apple Watch with blood monitoring capabilities, and the situation hinges on the forthcoming decision during the Presidential Review Period. Apple is committed to taking measures to make the Series 9 and Ultra 2 available to U.S. customers promptly, should the order stand.