Subj : You'll still be able to buy an Apple Watch 9 after its ban, but A
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Wed Dec 20 2023 12:00:05

You'll still be able to buy an Apple Watch 9 after its ban, but Apple wont 
tell you where

Date:
Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:56:09 +0000

Description:
For legal reasons, staff in Apple Stores won't be able to tell you to head 
down the road to Walmart.

FULL STORY
======================================================================

Apple is about to pause direct US sales of the Apple Watch 9 and the Apple 
Watch Ultra 2 as it handles a patent dispute  but even though sales will 
continue at other US retailers, don't expect staff in the Apple Store to tell 
you much about that. 

As per Bloomberg , Apple employees are being instructed not to direct 
shoppers towards Best Buy, Target, or Walmart  other outlets in the United 
States where the smartwatches are going to remain on sale for the time being 
(while stocks last). Apple will continue selling the two smartwatches online 
until December 21 and in physical Apple Stores until December 24. 

It's no doubt a case of Apple covering its back from a legal point of view, 
but it's not particularly helpful for consumers, who may trudge home 
disappointed that they couldn't pick up an Apple Watch deal over the holiday 
season. 

"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing legal matter, I am not able to provide you 
with any information about where you can buy Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 
2," Apple Store staff are being told to say, according to Bloomberg. The 
story so far 

A company called Masimo has taken legal action over the blood oxygen sensor 
in the Apple Watch, claiming it infringes on its patents. Apple has therefore 
been told to halt sales by the International Trade Commission (ITC), pending 
a full investigation. 

Assuming there's no presidential intervention between then and now, the two 
latest Apple Watch models won't be sold by Apple in the US from December 21 
(online) and December 24 (in store). However, the Apple Watch ban doesn't 
apply to other countries, or third-party retailers. 

It might do eventually though, if this drags on: the ITC has also told Apple 
it can no longer import Apple Watch stock into the US either, so stores such 
as Best Buy aren't going to be able to keep refilling their shelves 
indefinitely. 

Apple is of course appealing the ITC ruling and exploring the option of a 
software fix , but for now, it's missing out on a lot of revenue  and can't 
even direct potential smartwatch buyers elsewhere, it would seem. You might 
also like All your Apple Watch ban questions answered Our comprehensive 
review of the Apple Watch Series 9 The best smartwatches you can buy



======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/youll-still-be-able-to-b
uy-an-apple-watch-9-after-its-ban-but-apple-wont-tell-you-where


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