Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are facing an upcoming ban in the United States, preventing Apple from offering out-of-warranty repairs. This ban is the result of a patent dispute with medical equipment company Masimo. Consequently, Apple will no longer be able to provide replacement devices for Apple Watch models equipped with a blood oxygen sensor, including the Series 6 or later and the original Apple Watch.
This ban will have significant consequences for both Apple and its customers. The design of the Apple Watch often necessitates full device replacement instead of component repairs. With the prohibition on replacement devices, customers will have limited options for repairing their smartwatches.
An internal memo obtained by MacRumors reveals that Apple has already informed its retail employees about the ban. The memo states that product replacement programs for the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra and later, will no longer be available.
To comply with the impending ban, Apple has ceased in-store sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 since December 24th. Online sales have also been discontinued in the United States. However, it should be noted that the ban only applies to the U.S. market, and third-party retailers will still be able to sell these particular Apple Watch models until their inventory runs out.
The patent dispute between Apple and Masimo is currently undergoing a 60-day Presidential Review period, which is set to conclude next week. Nonetheless, Apple has voluntarily removed the Series 9 and Ultra 2 from store shelves prior to the ban taking effect.
With the inability to offer out-of-warranty repairs and replacement devices, Apple may face increased competition and diminished customer satisfaction. Customers who heavily rely on the Apple Watch’s health monitoring features, especially the blood oxygen sensor, may be particularly disappointed by this development.
FAQ
The source of the article is from the blog radardovalemg.com