Apple pauses sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 over patent dispute

This week, Apple will indefinitely pause sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 due to a patent dispute.

According to 9to5Mac, the Apple website will stop selling the newest generations of its smartwatches on Dec. 21 after 3 p.m. ET and in stores on Dec. 24.

The years-long patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo came to a head when the International Trade Commission upheld a judge's ruling that Apple had infringed on Masimo's patents for blood oxygen sensor technology. The ITC ruling, which occurred in October, was sent to the Biden administration for a 60-day review period, which expires on Dec. 25, during which the president can choose to veto the decision.

Just in case, Apple has decided to pull the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from the shelves. "While the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand," said Apple in a statement to 9to5Mac.

Starting this week, you won't be able to buy the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 directly through Apple. However, the smartwatches won't be completely off the market. Since the ITC ruling only blocks Apple from selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, third-party retailers like Best Buy and Amazon are still allowed to sell the devices. That said, the ruling also blocks Apple from importing the Series 9 and Ultra 2 to the U.S., so it could affect inventory of other retailers.

What happens if the ruling is upheld? Apple can still appeal the decision, settle with Masimo, or even work out a licensing agreement for their patented technology. But exactly what Apple plans to do is still unclear, which means there's no concrete timeline for when the company can begin selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 again.