Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 Sales Paused in the U.S; Apple Working On Software Fix
Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 were unveiled in September this year
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced that sales of the highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 will be paused in the United States. This decision comes as a result of an ongoing patent dispute Apple and Masimo at the International Trade Commission (ITC) and has affected the availability of these models. Let's dive deeper to understand the implications of this development.
Starting December 21, 2023, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, Apple will halt the sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 on its website in the U.S, while in-store inventory from Apple retail locations will be unavailable after December 24th. Additionally, the tech giant will remove these models from its online store.
This sudden move has left many potential buyers surprised and disappointed, as they were eagerly anticipating to purchase of these next-generation smartwatches. The recent ITC ruling prevents Apple from selling the affected products, but they could still be found on platforms like Amazon or Best Buy. However, if the ban takes effect post-December 25, Apple won't be able to sell these models to resellers, causing a shortage in availability.
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The pause in sale came as result of a patent dispute between Apple and a medical technology company known as Masimo. Masimo claims that Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology violates several of their patents. Sources from tech blogs suggests Apple is working on a software fix to change how the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 measure blood oxygen levels.
Patents play a crucial role in protecting intellectual property, and any infringement claims can lead to legal complications and disruption in product availability. Apple has assured customers that they are actively working to resolve the patent dispute and are committed to providing the best user experience.
The sudden pause in sales has left potential customers wondering about their options. Those who were eagerly waiting to upgrade to the latest Apple smartwatches will need to consider alternative choices in the meantime. Apple offers a wide range of other smartwatches and fitness trackers that are still available for purchase, but they may not offer the same advanced features found in the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. It is important for customers to stay updated on any new developments and announcements from Apple to make informed decisions about their wearable technology needs.
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