By Julian Castillo
Dec 28, 2023, 2:30 PM EST
Apple fans have reason to celebrate as the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are once again available for purchase. Starting today, some physical Apple stores will offer these innovative watches, in anticipation of greater availability expected next Saturday. Additionally, enthusiasts can secure their purchase online starting tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET, Apple spokesperson Nikki Rothberg told The Verge.
The restart of sales follows a series of legal events that led to a temporary suspension of the sales and import ban imposed on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. A federal appeals court intervened hours after the ban, which was the result of Apple’s violation of medical device maker Masimo’s patents, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission.
The appeals court allowed Apple to temporarily resume sales while it awaits an evaluation of proposed changes to its watches to address patent concerns. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue a ruling on these changes on January 12. If the answer is positive, the ban could be suspended indefinitely until the patent dispute is resolved, potentially prolonging the availability of the devices for months.
What does Apple say?
Nikki Rothberg, Apple spokesperson, expressed the company’s satisfaction with the Court of Appeals decision. In an email statement, Rothberg noted that the Apple team has worked hard to develop industry-leading technology for health, wellness and safety features. The exclusion order is stayed while the company’s full appeal is considered, a positive step that highlights Apple’s commitment to innovation and resolving legal disputes.
Previously, Apple preemptively pulled sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in both its physical and online stores, just before the ban went into effect on December 26. This measure affected devices that include a blood oxygen saturation sensor, a feature built into Apple’s flagship watches since late 2020 with the Series 6. Notably, the lower-priced Apple Watch SE, without this sensor, has maintained its availability during this period.
Despite the ban, Third-party retailers were able to maintain sales of Apple Watches through their existing inventories. However, the import ban would have eventually prevented them from acquiring more units, highlighting the importance of resolving the legal dispute for the entire supply chain.
Apple fans can look forward to the reintroduction of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to the market, marking the restart of sales after a brief legal setback. This development not only highlights Apple’s continued innovation in health technology, but also its commitment to effectively resolving legal challenges.
Keep reading:
– If you were thinking of buying one of these Apple Watches for Christmas we have bad news for you
– Apple Watch Series 9: More powerful, smarter and safer
– Your Apple Watch will soon include these two new health features