Apple to halt US sales of Series 9, Ultra 2 smartwatches over patent dispute

Apple said on Monday it would pause sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the United States from this week, as it deals with a patent dispute over the technology that enables the blood oxygen feature on the devices.

The move comes after an order in October from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that could bar Apple from importing its Apple Watches after finding the devices violate medical technology company Masimo’s patent rights.

Apple shares were down 1.4 per cent after the news.

The decision is under review by President Joe Biden until Dec. 25, but Apple said it is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand. The White House declined to comment.