Apple halts Series 9 smartwatch sales amid patent dispute

Apple is set to halt sales of its Series 9 smartwatch following an October ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in response to a patent dispute with California-based med-tech firm Masimo. The dispute revolves around the blood sensor monitor featured in Apple's latest flagship smartwatch.

The cessation of sales will be implemented on the online Apple Store at 3 pm this Thursday (December 21), with retail locations discontinuing sales on December 24, just ahead of the holiday season. December 24 will also mark the last day for pickup and delivery of online orders.

Apple officially confirmed this development in a public statement. Apple stated, "While the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand. This includes pausing sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple.com starting December 21, and from Apple retail locations after December 24.”

Apple has also expressed its strong disagreement with the order and shared that it is pursuing various legal and technical options to ensure the availability of the Apple watch to its customers.

Masimo’s own complaint initially focused on technology introduced with the Series 6, which dates back to June 2021. The medical company stated that Apple, 'began hiring Masimo employees, starting with Masimo’s Chief Medical Officer. In the Fall of 2020, Apple introduced the Series 6, manufactured in Asia.'

The primary dispute centres around pulse oximetry, which uses an optical sensor to detect blood flow. Last month, Masimo received FDA clearance to use its own wrist-worn product for prescription and over-the-counter use.