Apple Pulls Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 as ITC Ruling Takes Effect
Earlier this month a major patent dispute led to a forced withdrawal of Apple’s latest wearable devices. Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 vanished from the company’s online store and disappeared from shelves in retail outlets by the end of December. This move followed a ruling by the United States International Trade Commission and underscores how patent litigation can disrupt even a leading tech product line. The hardware in question is tied to Masimo’s pulse oximeter technology, a system used to measure blood oxygen saturation through the wearer’s heartbeat.
The temporary ban kicked in after the executive branch and regulatory bodies weighed options related to Masimo’s claims. The policy went into effect on the appointed date, with the administration deciding not to veto the measure after careful consideration. This stance has immediate consequences for Apple’s ability to push new versions of a flagship device during a peak shopping season, creating a potential hit to revenue from devices beyond the iPhone’s core sales if the ban persists.
The impact on Apple’s hardware lineup could be meaningful. Even as iPhone sales harbor the largest share of the company’s income, the restriction on Watch models narrows the set of available wearables during a critical consumer period. Analysts and observers note that the reduced assortment may push some buyers toward alternative products or older Apple Watch models. The scenario highlights how intellectual property disputes can ripple across a company’s retail and service channels.
Apple’s Response
Apple issued a formal objection to the ruling and noted its strong disagreement with the decision. The company asked for a temporary suspension of the measure for a short period while the case proceeds, and it awaits a decision from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on whether redesigned versions will be allowed to enter the market on a later date. The company’s attorneys argue that the ban could cause irreparable harm if kept in place before the dispute is resolved.
Masimo’s leadership expressed openness to settlement discussions in hopes of resolving the matter quickly. Such talks could lead to a path that permits continued sales, possibly through licensing arrangements or product adjustments, reducing disruption for consumers and retailers.
The restriction currently covers United States customers and the two affected models. Apple Watch SE remains available, as it does not incorporate the heart-rate measurement features implicated in Masimo’s patents. Apple has stated it will not replace devices that are no longer under warranty, which means consumers with affected units may face limited options for immediate replacement through official channels.
As this situation unfolds, observers are watching to see how the decision will influence comparable devices and future product designs. The ITC ruling also adds to ongoing conversations about how medical sensor technology is protected and how such protections affect consumer choice in a competitive market.
Notes from Masimo emphasize collaborative potential beyond litigation, with leaders indicating a willingness to reach an agreement if a practical path emerges. The evolving narrative underscores the balancing act between protecting innovation and ensuring consumers have access to familiar devices supported by trusted brands in the wearables space.
The broader takeaway for stakeholders is clear: patent enforcement can shape the availability of high-profile gadgets during key selling windows, even for giants with deep product ecosystems. For now, the affected Apple Watch models are out of stock, with the possibility of future returns facing regulatory and legal hurdles before a definitive resolution is reached. Citations: Masimo statements and ITC decisions provide the framework for understanding the current dynamics. [1] [2]