As promised, Apple has officially removed the Watch Series 9 from its online store. News of the surprise move came earlier this week, when the company confirmed that an ongoing patent dispute had forced it to suspend sales of the flagship smartwatch. Click on the place and you will find the words “Currently unavailable” instead of the Buy button.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also not available. However, you can still buy the entry-level Apple Watch SE, likely due to the product's relatively limited built-in health metrics. You can also purchase the Series 9 through other online sources. Amazon, for example, continues to promise deliveries before Christmas in some areas.
The wearable device will also remain available in physical Apple Store stores until Christmas Eve. If you've already ordered the watch online for in-store pickup, you can still do so until December 24, the company confirmed with TechCrunch.
Apple's patent battle with health technology company Masimo has been well documented over the past few years. Although Apple missed some key rulings, Monday's announcement came as a surprise to many, given its unprecedented nature.
In a statement provided to TechCrunch earlier this week, the company noted that it would continue to fight the decisions:
A presidential review period is underway regarding a US International Trade Commission order on a technical intellectual property dispute related to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature. While the review period won't end until December 25, Apple is taking preventive measures to comply in case the ruling stands. This includes suspending sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com starting December 21 and in Apple retail stores after December 24.
Apple teams work tirelessly to create products and services that provide users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features. Apple does not agree with the order and is pursuing a number of legal and technical options to ensure that the Apple Watch is available to customers.
If the order stands, Apple will continue to take all measures to return the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to US customers as soon as possible.
At the center of the battle is an optical image sensor that is used to monitor the user's heart rate. Apple has employed similar technology dating back to 2020 with the arrival of the Series 6. Among other things, Masimo has accused the hardware giant of poaching key talent. He claims that Apple “began hiring Masimo employees, starting with Masimo's chief medical officer.”
There's never a good time to stop selling one of your most important products, but the holiday season is especially problematic. While Apple was able to keep sales open until the last minute, some people may find themselves unwrapping a rain check this year.
