New versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are here to get around a US ban.
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Following a lost bid to halt a ban on selling its newest Apple Watches, Apple says it’s going to sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without their blood oxygen features beginning tomorrow, January 18th.
The revised watches will be available from Apple’s website beginning at 9AM ET, and they’ll be available in Apple’s retail stores as well. If you currently have an Apple Watch with blood oxygen features, Apple says there will be “no impact” to those devices.
A court filing earlier this week confirmed that US Customs approved versions of the Apple Watches with the blood oxygen features removed. According to Bloomberg, Apple has developed a software workaround.
Here is Apple’s full statement from Apple spokesperson Nikki Rothberg:
Apple’s appeal is ongoing, and we believe the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit should reverse the USITC’s decision. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting orders.
Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption. These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature. There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the Blood Oxygen feature will become available from apple.com starting 6am PT on January 18, and from Apple Stores starting January 18.”
