After days of hype, warnings, and workarounds, The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 units, which were removed from Apple’s U.S. online store on Thursday, December 21, are being removed from Apple Store inventory.
When Apple Stores reopen today, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 won’t be available.
The Apple Watch sales ban comes as part of a long-running patent dispute between Apple and the medical device company Masimo. The ITC ruled in October that the blood oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 infringes on two Masimo patents.
Following the decision, the case was sent to the Biden administration for a 60-day Presidential Review Period. Throughout this period, Biden could review and veto the ruling but chose not to.
As of today, Apple will be barred from importing or selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. Apple made the decision to remove the devices from its website on December 21 and from Apple Stores after today as part of its efforts to “preemptively” comply with the ITC’s ruling.
Per Mark Gurman, Apple Stores have been sent new marketing materials that promote the Apple Watch SE, which remains available to buy because it lacks the blood oxygen sensor.
Apple has also stated that it will “continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.” The company also stated that it will file an appeal of the ITC’s final decision with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit today.
As it stands right now, there are no further details on how long the Apple Watch will be unavailable in the United States.
In the meantime, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 units can be purchased from other outlets such as Amazon and Best Buy, but will only be available while the current inventory lasts.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac and @markgurman