Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Back in Stock for Online Purchase at Apple’s Web Store

In a significant development, Apple has reinstated the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on its US online store following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals. This move also signals the products’ likely availability in select Apple retail stores.

The tech giant sought emergency relief this Tuesday, requesting a suspension of the import ban while appealing the decision. The appeals court has temporarily halted the ban, allowing Apple to resume sales of its latest Apple Watch models equipped with blood oxygen sensing features.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has been given until January 10 to respond to Apple’s plea for a stay, with other stakeholders having until January 15 to express their views on the ban. Apple is expected to maintain sales until a definitive decision post-January 15.

Should the appeals court side with Apple, the import prohibition on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models will be halted for the duration of the appeal process. Conversely, a ruling against Apple would see the reinstatement of the ban. With the appeals process potentially stretching over several months, Apple may enjoy a substantial respite while contesting the ITC’s original ruling.

Originally, the ITC in October found Apple in violation of Masimo’s patented technology for blood oxygen measurement, triggering the import ban from December 26. Anticipating this, Apple ceased online sales on December 21 and concluded in-store sales by December 24.

Despite the possibility of a presidential veto, the Biden administration let the ban proceed. Apple now faces the challenge of winning its appeal against Masimo, reaching a settlement, or altering its product line to exclude the disputed technology.

This import ban is specific to the U.S. market, affecting only sales in Apple’s retail and online stores. The ban doesn’t impact sales in other countries, and in the U.S., third-party retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy have continued offering these Apple Watch models.

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