Apple’s newest and most advanced smartwatches, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, are coming to a temporary standstill in the U.S. market due to a patent dispute over the blood oxygen sensor technology. This unexpected halt adds a complex layer to the holiday shopping season for many tech enthusiasts.
News of the sales pause broke this morning after 9to5Mac secured an official statement from Apple, revealing an ongoing “Presidential Review Period” triggered by an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The order allegedly revolves around a “technical intellectual property dispute” concerning the blood oxygen feature in Apple Watch devices, but specific details remain confidential.
While the review period extends until Christmas, Apple’s proactive decision to suspend sales suggests a potential ruling unfavorable to its blood oxygen sensor technology. This move comes as a significant blow, especially during the peak holiday shopping season when smartwatches often see a surge in demand. Now, potential buyers in the US face a tight deadline before existing inventory depletes at Apple retail stores and authorized resellers.
The ITC dispute’s ramifications aren’t limited to immediate sales. A ruling against Apple could necessitate design modifications or even removal of the blood oxygen sensor from US Apple Watch models altogether, adding a wrinkle to the company’s health-focused initiatives.
With details still emerging and the review period ongoing, the next few days are likely to hold further developments. One thing remains certain: the Apple Watch’s journey in the US has taken an unexpected detour, leaving consumers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Note: This article was created with the assistance of AI technology as part of our ongoing innovation efforts. All content has been reviewed and approved by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.
Author: Holden Satterwhite
Founder of Appleosophy and Redfruit Media. Twitter: @hesatter
