Certain models of Apple Watch disappeared from shelves thanks to an international legal dispute, but that may be changing.
Some models of has been tough to come by lately, thanks to an international trade dispute moving through the courts. But if you’ve had your eye on the or , you may be in luck. An appeals court just put the on — at least, temporarily — and those models are now back in Apple stores.
If you’re hoping shop those popular watches online, there’s even better news. In a statement, Apple said both models, « including the blood oxygen feature, » would be available for purchase on the company’s website starting at noon Pacific time on Thursday. Meantime, the models are also still in stock at many popular online retailers such as Amazon.
If all this news is giving you whiplash, you’re likely not alone. The and effectively disappeared in the U.S. on December 24 — from the Apple Store, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart or anywhere that sells the popular smartwatches. As of now, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request for a longer stay while the issue moves through the courts. Get the Apple Watch online: Quick links
Ready to buy that Apple Watch? We don’t blame you. Here’s where you’re most likely to find the watch in stock online right now.
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Budget Apple Watch 9 alternative with pulse oximetery: Apple Watch Series 8
Not facing a ban — the Apple Watch SE: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Why was the Apple Watch facing a ban?
Apple briefly removed the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models from store shelves in the United States due to an October ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC). This decision was the outcome of a patent dispute between Apple and the medical technology company Masimo concerning the blood oxygen sensor technology used in both Apple Watch models.
Masimo accused Apple of infringing on five patents. The ITC found that Apple infringed on two of these patents, and its offenses specifically related to the pulse oximeter feature in the Apple Watch.
The ITC’s ruling initially led to a 60-day review. During this period, President Biden could have vetoed the ruling, but didn’t.
The ITC rejected Apple’s attempt to stay the ruling on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. Presidential vetoes of ITC decisions aren’t very common. President Obama vetoed an ITC ban on the iPhone in 2013 during Apple’s legal dispute with Samsung. The latest ruling asks the ITC to consider a request by Apple to allow for continued sales of the watches while the issue moves through the courts. Where to buy affected Apple Watch models
According to Apple, the affected models should already be back in Apple stores. We’ve also found the affected models on Amazon and other retailers right now. Find them using the links below. Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, excluding the recently launched Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This smartwatch offers a wide range of features to support virtually every aspect of your daily life. Packed with advanced functionalities such as heart monitoring, crash detection, and many more, it comes in a sleek and compact design that makes it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model.
