Apple Makes Bold Decision to Discontinue Sales of Latest Watch Models in the U.S.

Apple has made a bold decision to halt the sales of its latest watch models, Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the United States. This decision was made in response to a potential ban imposed by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) due to a patent dispute with Masimo Corp.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has discontinued the online sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, meaning that consumers will no longer be able to purchase these specific models through Apple’s official website. Apple has also announced the discontinuation of sales in approximately 270 of its stores in the U.S.

The company has posted a statement on its website confirming the discontinuation of sales, citing the lack of blood oxygen level measurement feature in these latest versions as the reason. The Apple Watch SE, which does not have this specific feature, remains available for purchase.

In addition to halting sales, Apple has made another significant decision regarding the repair services for out-of-warranty models, including the Series 9 and Ultra 2. These models will no longer be eligible for repairs by Apple, which means that customers will have limited options for resolving hardware issues.

The ITC recently rejected Apple’s attempts to delay the import ban, which could result in the suspension of sales for the affected watch models unless the White House intervenes. According to Wedbush Securities analyst Dana Ives, this ban could cost Apple up to $400 million.

Currently, Apple is exploring various options to resolve the patent dispute, including software updates. However, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani stated that Apple has not yet made any efforts to resolve the dispute.

As the patent dispute continues, Apple Watch enthusiasts will have to wait and see how the tech giant navigates this situation and whether an agreement can be reached in the near future.

FAQ

Which watch models is Apple discontinuing sales of?
Apple is discontinuing sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watch models.

Why is Apple discontinuing sales of these models?
The decision was made in response to the potential ban imposed by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) due to a patent dispute with Masimo Corp.

Are other watch models still available for purchase?
Yes, other models such as the Apple Watch SE are still available for purchase.

Definitions

U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) – The United States International Trade Commission is responsible for resolving trade disputes related to imports and exports.
Masimo Corp – A company involved in the production of medical technologies.
Wedbush Securities – An American analytical and brokerage firm.

Source: [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-20/apple-discontinues-sales-of-series-9-ultra-2-watches-in-u-s)

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