Apple Inc. has taken a drastic step by discontinuing the online sales of its flagship Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models within the United States, following a contentious patent dispute related to the watches’ blood oxygen measurement capability. With a looming ban set to take effect due to a patent infringement ruling, the tech giant initiated the removal of these watch models from its online store.
The cessation of sales isn’t merely limited to the latest models; Apple has also disclosed its inability to conduct repairs for out-of-warranty watches, potentially impacting consumers seeking service or replacements for various issues, including hardware malfunctions. This decision marks a significant shift in Apple’s customer service and sales approach, affecting users of Series 6, 7, 8, and other previous models incorporating the contested blood oxygen technology.
The ban, enforced by the US International Trade Commission, stems from violations concerning two health-tech patents owned by Masimo Corp., headquartered in Irvine, California. The ruling compels Apple to cease sales and repair services for specific watch models from Dec. 25 onward within the US, significantly altering the availability and support landscape for these products.
Apple’s strategy involved ending online sales before in-store cessation, aiming to dispatch watches to consumers before the impending ban deadline. Despite this suspension, Apple will continue sales through its international online and physical stores for the time being, exempting the blood oxygen feature in the Apple Watch SE models still available.
Customers purchasing watches before the ban’s enforcement or those covered by warranty will remain unaffected by the sales termination or repair restrictions. However, the ban’s aftermath brings forth a series of limitations, including constraints on hardware replacements, exchanges, and returns, marking a shift in Apple’s usual customer service provisions for its wearable technology.
