Apple said Wednesday that it will immediately resume in-store US sales of its latest smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2, after pausing the sales amid a patent fight.
“We are thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year,” the company said in a statement. Apple has resumed selling both the Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 on its website Thursday.
The announcement comes after a US appeals court temporarily lifted an import ban on those Apple Watch models as it assesses Apple’s request to suspend the ban while a patent dispute winds its way through the legal system. Apple says the US appeals court will hear the company’s motion for a stay as early as Jan. 15.
Earlier this week, Apple was forced to stop US sales and imports of the watches, some of its most lucrative consumer products, because of an ongoing legal battle with health tech company Masimo. The dispute centers on a blood oxygen detection feature in those watches.
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Soon after the ban took effect, Apple filed an emergency appeal saying the company would suffer “irreparable harm” if the ban, which was imposed by the International Trade Commission, stayed in place. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are the company’s newest and most advanced smartwatches, launched this year.
Apple had preemptively paused online and in-store sales of the watches in anticipation of the US sales and import ban taking effect. On Monday, the White House decided not to overturn a US ITC ruling from October that backed a judge’s ruling from January finding Apple had violated Masimo’s patents in its blood oxygen sensing system. The order was under presidential review until Dec. 25 and became final on Dec. 26.
In addition to the appeal, Apple says it’s “vigorously pursuing legal and technical options” to ensure that the company can continue selling the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Those options include having submitted a proposed redesign for US Customs approval.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
