To resolve a patent issue regarding the technology underlying the blood oxygen feature on the devices, Apple announced on Monday that it will be stopping sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the United States starting this week.
The action follows an October order from the U.S. International Trade Commission, which found that Apple Watches violated the patent rights of medical technology company Masimo and potentially prevented Apple from importing the devices.
President Joe Biden is reviewing the verdict through December 25. If the ruling is upheld, Apple has stated that it will take the appropriate action.
The Biden administration’s Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which is in charge of the issue, stated that Ambassador Katherine Tai “is carefully considering all factors in this case.”
The watch’s sales will be suspended, according to the website, from its website beginning on December 21 and from Apple retail stores following December 24. The disagreement has no bearing on other versions that do not have the blood oxygen sensor, such as Apple’s less expensive Apple Watch SE model.
Apple makes a significant revenue from its wearables such as the Apple Watch, AirPods earbuds, and other items, generated $8.28 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2023.
