Deadline Looms for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2: Will Biden Step In?

The clock is ticking for an urgent response to prevent the removal of the latest Apple Watch models from store shelves. President Joe Biden must act before Christmas day to reverse a US International Trade Commission ruling that targets the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, citing patent violations by another company.

As the deadline approaches, Apple has already removed the flagged Watch models from its online store. Apple Store locations are anticipated to open without the latest top-of-the-line watches in stock, impacting the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, as well as all models of Apple Watch Ultra. The cheaper Apple Watch SE remains unaffected as it was not part of the patent infringement ruling.

In October, the US International Trade Commission ruled Apple in violation of a pulse oximeter patent held by medical device maker Masimo. This patent dispute challenges Apple’s marketing of the smartwatch as a life-saving device, potentially impacting its global popularity.

Despite Apple’s disagreement with the order and a commitment to exploring legal and technical options, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions were preemptively taken out of stock in December. Apple may attempt software tweaks to comply with the patent, but the success of such changes remains uncertain.

While an intervention from President Biden seems unlikely, historical precedents exist, such as President Barack Obama’s veto in 2013 of an ITC ruling against older iPhones and iPads. The outcome of this deadline will determine the fate of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 on the market.