No, it's not a joke: Apple is suspending sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US due to a patent dispute

Apple has announced that it is suspending sales of the current smart watch in the US.

Here's What We Know

We are talking about the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. According to the manufacturer, these models of smartwatches will no longer be available for purchase in the Apple online shop in the United States from 21 December, as well as in Apple retail shops in the United States after 24 December. In other countries, the devices will remain on sale.

The fact is that in October this year, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) decided to ban the import of some Apple Watch in the US. ITC found that Apple had infringed Masimo's patents related to the operation of the SpO2 measurement sensor. The case was referred to the administration of US President Joe Biden. He can veto the ITC's decision within 60 days. The veto period expires on 25 December.

What the final decision on the matter will be is not yet known. Apple "strongly disagrees" with the ITC ruling. Therefore, the company is considering "a number of legal and technical options" to start selling devices again as soon as possible. In addition, Apple plans to appeal the ITC ruling to the US Federal Court of Appeals on 26 December.

Source: 9to5Mac