Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 are Returning to Selected Apple Stores and Online

In a surprising turn of events, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 made a triumphant return to select Apple Stores yesterday, with online availability set for today, 28 December 2023 at 12 p.m. PT. This news follows a temporary ban placed on these flagship models earlier today, which has now been put on pause thanks to a US appeals court.

Apple’s Fight Against the Ban

The decision to halt sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 came after a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC), stating that these devices infringed on patents owned by health company Masimo. Apple, however, strongly disagrees with this ruling. In response to the ban, an Apple spokesperson stated, “We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.” The company has also formally appealed the ruling.

Apple’s Official Statement

Apple, in a statement to 9to5Mac, expressed their enthusiasm about bringing back the full Apple Watch lineup to customers just in time for the new year. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, featuring the blood oxygen feature, are once again available for purchase in the United States at Apple Stores. Online sales are expected to resume on Apple.com today at 12 p.m. PT.

The statement reads, “We are thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year. Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, including the blood oxygen feature, will become available for purchase again in the United States at Apple Stores starting today and from apple.com tomorrow by 12 p.m. PT.”

Apple also took the opportunity to highlight its commitment to developing technology that prioritizes users’ health, wellness, and safety. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has granted a stay on the exclusion order while considering Apple’s request for a stay pending a full appeal.

Timeline

Here’s a breakdown of when and where you can get your hands on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2:

• With sales already up and running in selected Apple stores, broader availability is expected by Saturday, December 30.
• Today, December 28, by 12 p.m. PT, the watches will be available on Apple’s website.
• Apple encourages customers to check in-store availability at apple.com once online sales have resumed.

It’s worth noting that this victory for Apple keeps the watch ban on hold until January 10. Additionally, Apple has submitted a software update aimed at resolving the issue, with a decision expected on January 12 regarding its acceptance by the government.

What’s Next?

The ban on Apple Watch sales, scheduled to end on January 10, has undoubtedly caused a stir among Apple enthusiasts. However, with Apple’s swift actions and the upcoming decision on the submitted software update, the future of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 remains uncertain.

As consumers eagerly await the resolution of this legal battle, Apple’s dedication to providing cutting-edge technology with a focus on health and well-being continues to be a driving force. The return of these flagship models to Apple Stores and online is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, marking a positive end to a challenging chapter for Apple’s wearable lineup. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.