Apple Watch Series 9 sales to be halted over patent dispute. TechCrunch has revealed that Apple will stop selling its Series 9 wristwatch. Following an October International Trade Commission (ITC) decision regarding a patent dispute with Masimo, a California-based medical technology company, 9to5Mac made the announcement public. Regarding a patent dispute with Masimo, a California-based medical technology company, 9to5Mac made the announcement public. The current flagship smart watch’s blood sensor monitor is the source of the controversy.
This Thursday, December 21, at 3 p.m., the change will take effect on the Apple Store’s online platform. Retail stores will stop selling products on December 24, one day before the holiday. The deadline for online orders to be picked up and delivered is also on the 24th.
Apple gave TechCrunch a statement this morning confirming the change:
An order from the U.S. International Trade Commission on a technical intellectual property issue relating to Apple Watch devices with the Blood Oxygen capability is currently undergoing a Presidential Review Period. Apple is taking proactive measures to comply in case the verdict is upheld, even though the review period doesn’t conclude until December 25. Sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be suspended starting on December 21 on Apple.com and ending on December 24 at Apple retail stores.
With industry-leading safety, wellness, and health features, Apple’s teams put forth endless effort to develop goods and services that empower consumers. Apple is taking several technological measures to ensure the Apple Watch is accessible to consumers, as it vehemently disagrees with the ruling.
Apple will keep taking all necessary steps to get the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 back to consumers in the United States as quickly as possible, should the order remain.
Since Apple thinks the ITC made a mistake, it will appeal the decision. In October last year, the business also sued Masimo twice, claiming that Masimo had infringed on its patents. In an attempt to keep a possibly lifesaving device away from millions of American consumers and make room for their watch that imitates Apple, Massimo has mistakenly sought to utilize the ITC, the firm stated at the time.
Masimo first voiced his dissatisfaction in June 2021, mainly over the technology shown with the Series 6. According to the medical business, Apple “started hiring Masimo personnel, beginning with Masimo’s Chief Medical Officer.” Apple debuted the Series 6, an Asian-made device, in the fall of 2020.
The main point of contention is pulse oximetry—a blood flow detection method using an optical sensor. The FDA gave Masimo permission last month to use its wrist-worn gadget for over-the-counter and prescription usage.
