Potential Removal from Shelves: Apple's Smart Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 Await Biden's Intervention

The fate of Apple's latest smartwatch series, including Series 9 and Series Ultra 2, hangs in the balance as the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling threatens to remove them from store shelves. The ban, triggered by patent violations, could only be overturned if US President Joe Biden intervenes, a move considered unlikely according to media reports.

The crucial deadline for government intervention was Christmas Day, and with no indication of President Biden stepping in, the clock is ticking on a last-minute effort to save the Apple Watches. Apple has already removed the "Offending Watch models" from its online store, anticipating the ITC ruling, and the latest watches are expected to be absent from Apple Store locations.

The ITC ruling, which accuses Apple of infringing on a pulse oximeter patent held by medical device maker Masimo, poses a significant threat to Apple's smartwatch lineup. The ban affects models like Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, impacting sales and availability.

While the more affordable Apple Watch SE remains unaffected, the absence of flagship models may hurt Apple in the long run, affecting the sales of Watch Series 6 and later, as well as all models of Apple Watch Ultra.

In October, the ITC ruled against Apple, citing a patent related to a pulse oximeter that measures blood-oxygen levels. Masimo is the patent holder in question. Apple, emphasizing its commitment to customer availability, has already taken legal and technical measures to challenge the ruling but faces an uphill battle.

Despite Apple's disagreement with the order, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions were preemptively taken out of stock in anticipation of the ITC's decision. The 60-day review period on the ITC's ruling is set to end soon, and Apple's statement expresses the company's determination to explore all options to bring the Apple Watch back to US customers.

(With Agency Inputs)