In response to an ongoing patent dispute, Apple has temporarily halted online sales of two popular models of its internet-connected watch in the United States. Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 became unavailable for online orderingET This move comes after Apple’s latest attempt to resolve the patent conflict, which involves technology related to the Blood Oxygen measurement feature on these watch models, was rejected by the International Trade Commission (ITC).
The ITC’s decision in late October barred Apple from using certain technology underlying the Blood Oxygen measurement feature on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. Unable to circumvent this order, Apple has opted to comply with the ruling by suspending online sales of these two watch models in the U.S. The ITC ruling will stand unless the Biden administration overturns it by Christmas.
The less sophisticated Apple Watch will continue to be available in the U.S. after Christmas Eve. Importantly, previously purchased Apple Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen feature are not impacted by the ITC order.
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, estimates that Apple’s holiday-season sales could see a reduction of $300 million to $400 million if the patent dispute leads to the removal of the two watch models from the U.S. market during the final week of the year. The company’s decision to suspend sales underscores the complexity and significance of intellectual property challenges in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.