Setback For iPhone Maker? Several Apple Watch Models Face Sales Shutdown In US; Here's Why!

Apple announced that the company is planning to suspend the latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 models of watches in the United States. An impending sales suspension is on the horizon, with Apple set to halt online sales on Thursday afternoon, followed by in-store discontinuation this Sunday. The culprit behind this abrupt decision is an ongoing international patent dispute, leaving Apple at the mercy of the White House's intervention.

The predicament traces back to an October ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that placed restrictions on Apple's watches featuring the Blood Oxygen measurement feature. The ITC's decision was a response to a dispute involving medical technology company Masimo, and Apple has been navigating the legal labyrinth since then.

Under normal circumstances, the White House has a 60-day window to review ITC orders, allowing Apple to continue selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the US until Christmas. However, Apple has opted for an early pause in sales, citing its commitment to complying with the ITC order.

In a statement released on Monday, Apple reassured customers that, if the ITC's sales ban remains in place, the tech giant is prepared to "take all measures" to swiftly resume sales of the affected Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US.

The silver lining for Apple Watch enthusiasts lies in the fact that the Apple Watch SE, devoid of the controversial Blood Oxygen feature, will continue to be available for purchase in the US even after Christmas Eve. This particular model's exemption provides an alternative for consumers who may miss out on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to the sales suspension.

It's important to note that those who have already purchased Apple Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen feature need not worry. The ITC order does not retroactively impact previously acquired devices, ensuring that existing users can continue to use the full functionality of their gadgets without any interruptions.

As Apple faces this temporary setback, industry experts are keeping a close eye on developments, speculating on potential outcomes of the ongoing dispute. The resolution may influence the trajectory of future patent battles in the tech landscape, underscoring the significance of intellectual property rights in an era of rapid technological innovation.

With the sales suspension imminent, it remains to be seen whether the White House will step in to alter the course of this high-stakes patent dispute, allowing Apple to resume business as usual in the US market.

*Inputs from AP*