Certain models of the Apple Watch will be pulled off shelves this month, according to multiple reports.
Recently released Series 9 and Ultra 2 models will become unavailable online Thursday and will then be pulled from shelves next Sunday (Christmas Eve), according to a report from CNET. Apple told the outlet it would “continue to take all measures to return [the] Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”
In October the International Trade Commission found that Apple violated patent rules. Apple said that it strongly disagrees with the order from October and is pursing legal and technical options.
Per the trade commission’s final determination, the issue stems from a complaint filed on behalf of Masimo Corporation of Irvine, Calif. Masimo alleged that Apple infringed on its patent for a blood oxygen sensor that can read someone’s pulse, NPR reported.
“Apple has repeatedly denied the allegation,” said the outlet. It added that the sensor has been included in most models of Apple Watches since 2020.
Following the Oct. 26 order, the White House had 60 days to review the restrictions placed on Apple. However, the company decided to pause selling the products early as it looks into legal options, said a CNBC report.
“Apple’s stock closed down less than 1% Monday and Masimo posted a gain of just more than 3%,” said the outlet.
If the order stands after the Dec. 25 deadline, Apple would be barred from importing watches that use the blood oxygen feature and materials used to make the feature, according to an FTC document cited by CNBC.
A cease and desist order also instructed Apple to stop selling products with the feature.
Citing research firm Counterpoint Research, Axios said that Apple is the largest smart-watch seller in the world. Its Apple Watch devices accounted for nearly a third of all purchases across the globe last year.