Technology

Apple to Halt Sales of Newest Apple Watches in US

TechnologyDec 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 Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2
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 … 

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. 

The Latest

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

Jamie Turner Victoria Labradorite Necklace
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Stock image of the U.S. Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Patrick Mahomes Hublot campaign
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand Ambassador

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
gia-edu main image.png
Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Sponsored by GIA

Lucara pink diamond
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink Diamond

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

A street in Carlsbad California
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

Shot from Breitling new NFL campaign
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn 2025
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in November

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Fabergé x Gemfields Malaika Egg
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé Sale

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to Close

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

Stuller’s Tools, Equipment, & Metals and Findings & Metals Catalogs
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Effy Jewelry Multicolor Sapphire Bangle
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect Birthstone

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

Woman with hands crossed wearing jewelry
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 Sales

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Jean-Christophe Bédos Birks
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps Down

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

Harry Winston Ginza Flagship Exterior, Interior
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in Japan

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

All Hours: Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry x Oak and Luna Campaign Imagery
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ Collab

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

Sothebys The Desert Rose orangy pink diamond collectors week
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

Calvin Klein watch and jewelry campaign
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

Mark Davis Bullseye Necklace
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Image #1_Resized.png
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and Coaching

Sponsored by Clientbook

GIA’s new report for lab-grown diamonds
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

Botswana President Duma Boko
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales Slump

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Afton Robertson-Kanne Borsheims
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry Buyer

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis Students

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy