Apple suspends US sales of Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches amid patent dispute

Apple will temporarily halt sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the United States due to a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) had previously ordered a potential ban on Apple Watch imports, citing patent violations. The decision is currently under review by President Joe Biden until December 25. If the ruling stands, the ban would go into effect on December 26. Apple intends to appeal the decision and is working on technical options to ensure the availability of its watches. The sales pause will not affect other Apple Watch models or sales outside of the United States.