The Apple logo is illuminated at a store in the city center of Munich, Germany, Dec. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)
If you're eyeing the latest Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2 for your holiday wishlist, act swiftly. These sought-after devices are about to vanish from the shelves in the United States later this week unless the White House steps in to mediate an ongoing international patent dispute.
Apple is gearing up to suspend sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 editions of its widely popular smartwatch for online U.S. customers starting Thursday afternoon, with in-store sales ceasing this coming Sunday. This decision traces back to an October ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC), which imposed restrictions on Apple's watches featuring the Blood Oxygen measurement function due to a patent clash with medical technology firm Masimo.
While the White House had a 60-day window to scrutinize the ITC's October 26 order, providing Apple with the option to continue selling the affected models through the Christmas season, the Cupertino-based company has chosen a different course. In a statement on Monday, Apple revealed its intention to pause sales prematurely to comply with the ITC directive.
In the event that the ITC's sales ban remains in force, Apple has committed to taking every necessary step to swiftly resume sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the U.S. as soon as possible.
However, there is a silver lining for those still in the market for an Apple Watch post-Christmas. The Apple Watch SE, devoid of the Blood Oxygen feature, will remain available for purchase in the U.S. after Christmas Eve. It's important to note that previously acquired Apple Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen feature are not impacted by the ITC order, providing some relief for existing users.
