TechnologyDec 18, 2023
In UK, Swatch Group Notches ‘Milestone’ Victory in Samsung Trademark CaseTechnologyDec 19, 2023
Apple to Halt Sales of Newest Apple Watches in US
The tech giant is “pausing” sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 online and in stores due to a patent dispute.
Apple confirmed Monday it will stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 (left) and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 online beginning Dec. 21 and in stores after Dec. 24. The watches came out in late September, shortly after the release of the iPhone 15. (Photos courtesy of Apple)
Cupertino, Calif.—Apple will stop selling its two newest smartwatches in the United States amid an ongoing patent dispute over technology in the devices that measures wearers’ blood oxygen level.
News of Apple’s decision broke Monday, with the tech giant confirming that it will be “pausing” sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2—the slightly larger, more expensive version—online beginning Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.
The watches will be available for sale at Apple retail locations through Christmas Eve.
Apple’s decision to pull its newest smartwatches from shelves is the latest development in the company’s ongoing legal battle with Irvine, California-based medical tech company Masimo Corp. and its research and development arm, Cercacor Laboratories Inc.
Masimo alleges Apple stole trade secrets and infringed upon its patents in developing the light-based pulse oximetry technology that first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 6.
It’s been battling Apple in various courts since 2020, the year the Series 6 was released.
The latest legal development in the case came Oct. 26 when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in Masimo’s favor, upholding an earlier ruling by an administrative law judge that Apple had infringed on certain Masimo patents for measuring blood oxygen levels.
It recommended a cease and desist order preventing Apple from marketing, selling, and distributing the allegedly infringing Apple Watches in the U.S., and a limited exclusion order—import ban—on the watches.
The ITC is a nonpartisan government body established in 1916 to protect domestic industries, including by investigating claims of patent infringement in imports.
Per ITC procedure, the current president’s administration has 60 days to review any ruling by the commission; the deadline for President Joe Biden’s administration to act on the ITC ruling in the Masimo-Apple case is Dec. 25.
If the Biden administration does not veto the ITC’s ruling, the import ban will go into effect Dec. 26.
Related stories will be right here …
News of Apple’s decision broke Monday, with the tech giant confirming that it will be “pausing” sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2—the slightly larger, more expensive version—online beginning Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.
The watches will be available for sale at Apple retail locations through Christmas Eve.
Apple’s decision to pull its newest smartwatches from shelves is the latest development in the company’s ongoing legal battle with Irvine, California-based medical tech company Masimo Corp. and its research and development arm, Cercacor Laboratories Inc.
Masimo alleges Apple stole trade secrets and infringed upon its patents in developing the light-based pulse oximetry technology that first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 6.
It’s been battling Apple in various courts since 2020, the year the Series 6 was released.
The latest legal development in the case came Oct. 26 when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in Masimo’s favor, upholding an earlier ruling by an administrative law judge that Apple had infringed on certain Masimo patents for measuring blood oxygen levels.
It recommended a cease and desist order preventing Apple from marketing, selling, and distributing the allegedly infringing Apple Watches in the U.S., and a limited exclusion order—import ban—on the watches.
The ITC is a nonpartisan government body established in 1916 to protect domestic industries, including by investigating claims of patent infringement in imports.
Per ITC procedure, the current president’s administration has 60 days to review any ruling by the commission; the deadline for President Joe Biden’s administration to act on the ITC ruling in the Masimo-Apple case is Dec. 25.
If the Biden administration does not veto the ITC’s ruling, the import ban will go into effect Dec. 26.
Apple said Monday that while the review period does not end for another week, it is “pre-emptively” taking steps to comply.
“Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features. Apple strongly disagrees with the [ITC’s] order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers,” it said.
“Should the order stand, Apple will continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”
In a statement to National Jeweler, a Masimo spokesperson said, “The decision to exclude certain foreign-made models of the Apple Watch demonstrates that even the world’s most powerful company must abide by the law.
“The ITC’s expert judgment in this matter should be respected, protecting intellectual property rights and maintaining public trust in the United States’ patent system and encouraging U.S. industry.”
According to an article published Monday by 9to5Mac.com, the ITC’s ruling only prohibits Apple from selling allegedly infringing Apple Watches, which means the two watches may still be available from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon after Dec. 24.
The import ban, however, eventually will impact Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 availability.
Existing Apple Watches with the blood oxygen sensor will not be affected, and the technology will continue to function as normal.
In addition, 9to5Mac noted Apple still can sell the less expensive Apple Watch SE in the U.S. because it does not have the blood oxygen level sensor.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Technology
The Latest
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado JewelerPeter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple YearsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
