Apple Watch

What seemed impossible a few weeks ago has come to pass: Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 sales have been banned in the US after the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the devices infringed patents owned by health company Masimo. While Apple is certainly not happy about this, AliveCor – another health company – praised the ITC’s decision since it also accuses Apple of violating its patents.

Earlier today, the Biden administration formally announced its decision not to overturn the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 sales ban in the United States.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said that it strongly disagrees with the ITC’s decision and will be “taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.” The company also formally appealed the ruling.

Update: Here’s Apple’s statement to 9to5Mac on this decision:

At Apple, we work tirelessly to create products and services that meaningfully impact users’ lives. It’s what drives our teams — Clinical, Design and Engineering — to dedicate years to developing scientifically validated health, fitness and wellness features for Apple Watch, and we are inspired that millions of people around the world have benefited greatly from this product. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.

The December 25 ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales, due to a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo was first reported by us last week. Apple ended watch sales on the online store a few days ago, and now the Apple Watch is also unavailable at Apple retail stores.

The ITC confirmed this morning that the Biden administration chose not to overturn the ban. “After careful consultations, Ambassador Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s determination”, the agency said in a statement.

As Apple Stores across the United States start to close for the day, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales halt is officially going into effect. Apple removed its flagship Apple Watches from its online store on Thursday, and now they’re also being removed from Apple Stores.

When Apple Stores reopen after Christmas on December 26, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 won’t be available.

I have been on the lookout for a 3-in-1 charging station for my Apple products that doesn’t break the bank. Don’t get me wrong – there are many options for 3-in-1 chargers, but it seems you have to spend upward of $100 or even $200 for a high-quality Apple 3-in-1 charger. But I think I finally found one that cuts that $100 price point in half while still keeping it high quality. Let’s check out the X23 Pro Charger.

The Apple Watch ban which yesterday saw the Series 9 and Ultra models removed from sale may not be the last.

A Stanford law professor warns that we are likely to see more patent clashes between the consumer electronics and health tech worlds, and that the results can be both unpredictable and dramatic …

Moments ago, Apple removed the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from its US online store in response to an impending ITC ban. Now, more details are emerging about what the ban will mean for existing Apple Watch users when it comes to repairs and servicing.

You can no longer buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple’s online store in the United States. As previously announced, Apple has removed its flagship Apple Watch models in light of an ongoing patent dispute with medical device company Masimo.

9to5Mac broke the news of Apple’s plans to discontinue Apple Watch on Monday. The move comes after the ITC ruled in October that the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature infringes on two Masimo patents.

There have been recurring rumors that a new Apple Watch band connector is in the works, rendering existing bands incompatible with future Watch models.

There are three reasons to believe that the reports are true, but I’d expect the change to be a whole lot less controversial than some are suggesting …

The International Trade Commission has officially denied one of Apple’s last-ditch attempts to halt the looming Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 ban. This officially means Apple’s last recourse is for President Biden to veto the ITC’s decision.

Apple is once again said to be prepping for a big Apple Watch change. According to a new rumor this week, the band connection system for the next-generation Apple Watch has been “completely redesigned.”

This means that all existing Apple Watch bands will be incompatible with the next-generation Apple Watch.

In the latest developments ahead of the US Apple Watch ban taking effect later this week, the White House has shared that it is keeping a close eye on the situation. Meanwhile, Masimo’s CEO shared that the company is open to settling with Apple to resolve the matter but noted, “It takes two to tango.”

We yesterday revealed the shock news that 2023 Apple Watch models would be withdrawn from sale before the holidays, following an earlier ruling that the devices infringe on patents held by health tech company Masimo.

However, just because Apple has announced this intention, that doesn’t mean it will necessarily happen. There are four potential get-out clauses for the company …

Earlier today, 9to5Mac reported that Apple is set to halt sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 later this week following an ITC ruling. That ruling came as part of a long-running patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo.

A new report this evening now corroborates that one avenue Apple is exploring, if the ITC ban is upheld, is a software change to watchOS 10.

With a US ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 starting this week, availability of the latest wearables from the company could dry up. But amid the uncertainty is an opportunity to consider the benefits of picking up an Apple Watch Series 8 or earlier. Here are four reasons to go for a previous-generation Apple Watch.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple has announced that it will soon halt sales of its flagship Apple Watch models in the United States.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will no longer be available to purchase from Apple starting later this week.

The move comes following an ITC ruling as part of a long-running patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo around the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor technology.

The band is finally back in stock after being back-ordered since the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 back in September.

Nomad has launched its high-end Titanium Band and Steel Band today for the smaller Apple Watch sizes. These premium metal link bracelets are adjustable and come with features like a scratch-resistant coating and a sleek magnetic clasp.

In his latest Power On newsletter at Bloomberg, Mark Gurman shares what he’s expecting from Apple in 2024. While the company will naturally launch the iPhone 16 lineup in the fall, Mark highlights that the company’s wearables will “take center stage.” Here are all the details.

Researchers at Stanford University have published a new paper on how Apple Watch can help identify arrhythmia in children and young adults. As reported by MyHealthyApple, those researchers have concluded that “Apple Watch can record arrhythmia events in children, including events not identified on traditionally used ambulatory monitors.”

Expanding its premium charger lineup for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, Nomad is out with the new Stand One Max. The premium metal and glass design features official MagSafe support with 15W wireless charging, Apple Watch fast charging, and more. Read along for our hands-on experience.

In addition to new features like the ability to log and access Health data with Siri, this week’s watchOS 10.2 update also makes it easier to switch watch faces on your Apple Watch. Here’s how to enable the option to swipe between Apple Watch faces with watchOS 10.2.