Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Return to US Stores Amid ITC Suspension
Apple’s latest watches, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, have quietly returned to select Apple retail locations in the United States after a temporary lift on the ITC ban. Reports from MacRumors, drawing on insider information and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, indicate that the devices are again available for purchase in certain outlets.
In some shops, the new models are set to go on sale on December 28. Other locations will open their sales windows on December 30, while online orders are scheduled to resume on December 29. The staggered rollout aligns with Apple’s broader approach to meeting demand across retail channels during this transitional period.
The resumption of sales follows a temporary decision by the US Court of Appeals to suspend the ITC ban while the case undergoes review. MacRumors suggests Apple could continue selling the watches through much of January, and perhaps beyond, depending on the appellate outcome and market response.
The original ban on the Apple Watch was grounded in Masimo’s patent claims related to blood oxygen monitoring technology. The ITC’s ruling had effectively blocked sales in the United States, prompting Apple to pause both online and offline channels on specific dates last month while awaiting further judicial action.
Meanwhile, the regulatory pause created a high-profile reminder of how patent disputes can intersect with consumer electronics launches. The appellate review process can extend for months, during which time Apple has had to adjust its distribution strategy and communicate with customers who are awaiting availability of the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
In related tech news, a separate rumor circulated that Apple might unveil a curved-screen feature in an upcoming smart speaker, underscoring the company’s ongoing exploration of design innovations across its product family. While the rumor remains unconfirmed, it reflects the industry’s anticipation for new Apple hardware and user experiences in the near term.