A few days ago, Apple temporarily halted sales for its latest smartwatches, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the United States. This decision comes from a patent issue about the blood oxygen monitoring function of certain models. After the ban, the firm was not permitted to import blood oxygen sensor-equipped Apple Watches into the US from abroad, where they are manufactured. It took effect on December 21 on their website and will affect retail stores on December 24.

As a direct result of this decision, the brand will not be able to repair out-of-warranty Apple Watch units in the US after December 25, 2023. Instead of repairing a single component, Apple Watch repairs usually include swapping out a damaged unit for a new one, and replacement watches are not easily available.

Apple Product Replacement Programs

Apple shared a memo this week informing retailers of the news. Bloomberg has shared a few parts of the message that was included in the memo: “Product replacement programs aren’t available in the United States for the watches below: Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch Ultra or later”.

Any Apple Watch with a blood oxygen sensor that is no longer under warranty including the Apple Watch Ultra and models 6 and later cannot be replaced by Apple. Consumers who break their Apple Watch will have to wait for repairs until new hardware is released. Software-based fixes will still be accessible.

However, replacements are permitted for Apple Watch models that are covered under warranty. This covers both new devices covered by the normal one-year guarantee and devices covered by an extended AppleCare warranty. After the ban takes effect, customers won’t be able to return or exchange their Apple Watches, but they may replace their bands and other accessories.

The Apple Watch SE will continue to be sold, even though Apple has to stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. All models of Apple Watch will also be available for purchase in independent stores like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart as long as stocks last.

The brand is reportedly looking for options to evade the ban with modifications to the algorithms used to measure blood oxygen saturation.

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(Via)

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