Apple Ceases Sales of Its New Apple Watch Before Christmas

Apple intends to halt the sale of its new Apple watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the United States, starting 21^st December 2023. This decision is a direct consequence of an October ruling by the International Trade Commission. For those wondering, the ruling imposed limitations on the company’s watches equipped with the blood oxygen measurement feature. The restriction arises from an ongoing intellectual property conflict involving medical technology firm called Masimo.

Does the Company Have a Backup Plan for the Apple Watche Series 9 Sales?

The White House had a 2 month window to assess the ITC order issued on Oct. 26, allowing Apple the possibility of continuing sales of the two affected models in the U.S. until Christmas. However, the company announced in a statement that it is halting sales beforehand to ensure compliance with the ITC order.

If the ITC’s sales prohibitions remain unchanged, Apple has committed to employing “all measures” necessary to swiftly recommence sales of the Apple watch Series 9, along with Ultra 2 models in the United States. Believe it or not, this recent announcement marks the culmination of almost a decade of mounting tensions.

This prolonged conflict has now reached a significant turning point, reflecting a complex narrative of different paths between two entities that, in a different context, might have forged a highly valued partnership.

Possible Future of the New Apple Watch

In light of the current situations, people will not be able to purchase the affected Apple watches, especially if they were considering purchasing them for the holiday season. In an effort to proactively comply with the ruling, sales of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 will cease on Dec. 21.

This decision is made in consideration of shipping schedules, as it is necessary for the affected products to be physically in the possession of consumers before December 26 to meet the ruling’s requirements. Simply being in transit is not sufficient to comply with the specified timeline set by the ruling.

Moreover, physical Apple stores will discontinue the sale of these devices after Dec. 24. This means that there will be limited availability of these specific new Apple Watch models during the holiday season.