Apple Watch Sales Ban: Series 9 And Ultra 2 Are "Currently Unavailable"

Rate this post

Apple Watch Sales Ban: The Apple Watch sales ban has officially begun, with the removal of the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from the online Apple Store. This action comes as a result of a patent dispute over blood oxygen monitoring technology. In this article, we will cover all the important details regarding this ban and its implications.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are Currently Unavailable

Blood Oxygen Monitoring Dispute

Following the ban, both the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are now listed as “Currently Unavailable” on the Apple website. However, if you visit the individual product pages, you will find a note in the fine print stating that starting from December 24, 2023, Apple will no longer sell Apple Watch units in the United States with the ability to measure blood oxygen.

Official link –

Expanded Impact of the Ban

It’s important to note that this ban includes not only the standard Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models but also the special edition Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès versions. However, the Apple Watch SE 2, which does not feature a blood oxygen monitor, remains available for purchase.

Purchase Options and Exclusions

The ban will also apply to in-store purchases starting from December 24, with the legal enforcement of the ban beginning on December 26. However, users outside of the United States can still buy the affected Apple Watch models without any restrictions. Additionally, third-party sellers may still have limited stock available, but restocks are expected to be scarce.

Reasons for the Ban and Possible Solutions

The U.S. International Trade Commission imposed this ban due to patent infringement by Apple regarding blood oxygen monitoring technology originally developed by Masimo, a Californian company. Despite Apple’s efforts to delay the ban, sales are now suspended until an agreement is reached between Apple and Masimo. Potential solutions being considered include the production of new Apple Watch models without the infringing technology, a software patch to disable blood oxygen monitoring, or a financial settlement.

Impact on Indian market For Indian consumers

The US ban’s impact on the Indian market appears minimal for consumers. Presently, sales and availability of Apple Watches in India persist unaffected, with both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Watch Series 9 remaining on sale. However, the broader implications of this ban on Apple’s operations in various countries, including India, are yet to be fully understood.

Impact on Apple Watch Repairs

In addition to new watch sales, the ban is also affecting Apple Watch users seeking repairs. According to Bloomberg, Apple is no longer providing out-of-warranty hardware repairs for the Apple Watch 6 and newer models. Given the complexity of fixing these devices, often requiring complete replacement, repairs are challenging. However, software-related issues remain unaffected.

Customer Support and Returns

Apple is advising owners of broken Apple Watches to hold onto their devices until the ban is resolved, to allow Apple’s engineers to address the repairs. Nevertheless, customers with watches still under the one-year warranty or those who have purchased AppleCare can still receive assistance. In terms of in-store exchanges, only refunds are being offered at this time, making it crucial to choose the correct size and color for your initial purchase.

Conclusion:

Although the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are no longer available for purchase, users outside the United States can still purchase the Nobel Watch models without any restrictions. There are many alternative smartwatch options on the market. We hope for a speedy resolution between Apple and Masimo so that users can purchase their favorite watches soon without any complications.

Related Posts –

208320cookie-checkApple Watch Sales Ban: Series 9 and Ultra 2 are “Currently Unavailable”