As promised, Apple has officially removed the Watch Series 9 from its online store. News of the surprise move arrived earlier this week, when the company confirmed that an ongoing patent dispute had forced it to temporarily halt sales of the flagship smartwatch. Click through to the site, and you’ll find the words “Currently Out of Stock” in place of the purchase button.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is similarly unavailable. However, you can still buy the entry-level Apple Watch SE, likely due to the product’s relatively limited health metrics. You can also still get the Series 9 through other online sources. Amazon, for example, is still promising delivery before Christmas in some areas.
The wearable will also remain available at traditional Apple Store locations through Christmas Eve. If you’ve already ordered the watch online for in-store pickup, you can still do so until December 24, the company confirmed with TechCrunch.
Apple’s patent battle with health tech company Masimo has been well documented over the past two years. Although Apple lost on some key rulings, Monday’s announcement still came as a surprise to many, given its unprecedented nature.
In a statement provided to TechCrunch earlier this week, the company indicated that it would continue to fight the decisions,
A presidential review period is underway on an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission regarding a technical intellectual property dispute related to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature. Although the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is taking proactive steps to comply in the event of a ruling. This includes pausing sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com starting December 21, and from Apple retail locations after December 24.
Apple teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features. Apple strongly disagrees and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure Apple Watch is available to customers.
If demand persists, Apple will continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible.
At the heart of the battle is an optical image sensor used to monitor the wearer’s heart rate. Apple has used a similar technique dating back to 2020 with the arrival of the Series 6. Among other things, Masimo has accused the hardware giant of poaching key talent. It claims that Apple “has begun hiring Masimo employees, starting with Masimo’s chief medical officer.”
There’s never a good time to stop selling one of your biggest products, but the holiday season is especially problematic. While Apple managed to keep sales open until the end, some people may find themselves unlocking the rain this year.