After an announcement was made stating that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales would be halted due to the import ban officially going into effect, both high-end wearables have been removed from the U.S. online store. Assuming you want to try your luck and get your hands on one or both of the latest models, you will be met with the sorely disappointing message that the devices are ‘Currently Unavailable.’
Any Apple Watch model that features a blood oxygen monitor cannot be sold in the U.S. as a result of the ban
At the time of writing, refurbished versions of the Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch Series 8 are no longer available to purchase, with the import ban making it even more difficult for consumers to get their hands on previous-generation models for a lower price. Apple previously said that it would issue a software update that the company believes will allow it to circumvent past the import ban.
However, Masimo, the health technology company that filed the lawsuit against Apple, believes that it is not a matter of issuing a software update but a complete hardware overhaul that will allow sales to resume. To recap, Masimo initiated legal proceedings against Apple back in 2020, with the International Trade Commission (ITC) issuing an import ban recommendation the following year.
While ordering an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 online is not an option anymore, you still have the opportunity to pick up any one of these units before December 24, as that is the deadline that Apple has until it can no longer sell the aforementioned models through its retail outlets. Fortunately, there is even better news for you because Apple’s retail partners, such as Best Buy, Walmart, and others, are still allowed to sell these models even after the deadline, that is until stock lasts.
As reported by MacRumors, Apple intends to appeal as soon as it can on December 26, with the technology behemoth said to be exploring a range of legal and technical options that will allow it to resume Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales as early as possible. Assuming the firm is unable to appeal, the import ban will theoretically last until the patent expires in August 2028 and will likely be a critical financial blow to the Cupertino giant going into 2024.
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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