[Discussion] Apple Watch Resurgence: Series 9 and Ultra 2 Back on Sale Amid Legal Tussle

[Uncrowned Guard]

Ban on Apple Watch Sales Paused

Apple has restarted sales of its latest Apple Watch models on its official website following a temporary suspension due to a legal dispute. This development comes after a U.S. federal appeals court put a pause on a sales and import ban that had been imposed on the company. The ban was originally issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) after it was determined that Apple infringed on patents held by medical device maker Masimo, particularly concerning a blood oxygen saturation feature found in the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.

Online and In-Store Availability Restored

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, which had been withdrawn from both online and physical Apple stores, are now back for sale. Apple began reintroducing these models in its physical stores on December 27th and has since made them available on its website. The company anticipates that the watches will be widely available in its physical stores by the upcoming weekend. This reinstatement marks a significant turnaround from the previous week, when Apple had to remove these models from its shelves in anticipation of the ban's official commencement on December 26th.

Appeal and Future Developments

Apple is currently appealing the ITC's ban and has proposed modifications to its watch designs to sidestep the patent issues. In light of this appeal, the company has been granted permission to continue selling the watches until January 12th, when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expected to make a decision regarding the acceptability of Apple's proposed changes. This temporary reprieve allows Apple to maintain sales momentum for its latest wearable devices while navigating the ongoing legal challenges.

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