Key Takeaways
- Apple’s sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have been banned in the US due to a patent dispute related to blood oxygen technology. However, the devices are still available for purchase in other regions.
- Retail partners like Walmart and Best Buy will continue to sell existing stock, but Apple will not be able to provide them with new units.
- The ban also impacts Apple’s ability to service and replace older models of Apple Watches, such as the Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, if they are out of warranty. Customers will have to wait for hardware replacements to be allowed again in the future.
Apple has been compelled to remove its latest smartwatches from its stores and online platform, resulting in the unavailability of the Apple Watch Series 9 and the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 for purchase at Apple.com in the US. This action was taken following a requirement from the ITC due to an ongoing patent dispute pertaining to the blood oxygen technology used in select devices.
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As a result of the patent dispute, Apple removed the Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches from its website at 12 PM PT on December 21. The sale of these devices in Apple retail stores will cease after December 24. However, the ban only impacts users in the US, and customers can still purchase these devices in other regions, including Canada and across Europe.
Furthermore, Apple’s retail partners such as Walmart and Best Buy will continue to sell the devices until their stock runs out. However, Apple will not be able to supply them with new units, so customers are urged to make their purchases before the existing stock is depleted.
Bad news for users with older Apple Watches
Source: Pocketnow / Jaime Rivera
Bloomberg (via 9to5Mac) reports that the ITC ban will also impact Apple’s ability to service and replace Apple Watch models that are out of warranty. This will affect all smartwatches from the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and even the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
“Apple’s customer service teams were informed in a memo this week that the company will no longer replace out-of-warranty models going back to Apple Watch Series 6. That means if a customer has a broken screen, for instance, they won’t be able to get the issue fixed by Apple. The company will still offer help that can be done via software, such as reinstalling the operating system.”
Essentially, this means that users with older models containing the blood oxygen sensor, and lacking warranty coverage, will be unable to receive assistance from Apple for the replacement or repair of their smartwatches. Users with out-of-warranty broken devices will have to await future permission for hardware replacements.
Bloomberg also reports that after December 25, Apple will no longer allow the exchange of Apple Watches for different models, even if they were purchased prior to the ban. However, the company will continue to replace accessories like bands, and provide full refunds for watches.
“After Dec. 25, Apple also won’t be able to exchange a watch purchased before the ban, say for a different color or size, during the typical return period. Retail staff was told a product swap won’t be allowed, but Apple will replace accessories like bands. Watches can still be returned for a refund.”
This situation could potentially impact Apple’s bottom line, especially during a busy period leading up to the holiday season. It remains to be seen how customers will cope with the challenges posed by the ban, but it is evident that users without warranty support will face difficulties ahead.
To protect your Apple Watch, consider using a case or a new strap to safeguard it from scratches, dents, and accidental damage. Many cases also provide additional protection for the display. Various guides for all older and newer models are available below.
Keep in mind that the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 can still be purchased from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, while supplies last.
