Apple to Cease Selling Some Models of Apple Watch on Potential Patent Breach
Apple will stop selling two versions of its smartwatch in the US. This is because the US International Trade Commission found that these violate a patent held by medical technology group Masimo.
The contravention concerns the blood oxygen feature on some versions of the Apple Watch. The ruling is currently under a presidential review period, which expires on 25 December. Pre-emptively Apple is pausing the sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Online sales will cease on 21 December and Apple retail locations will stop sales from 24 December.
Should the order hold, the company pledges swift action to promptly deliver Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers. Both models remain available for purchase internationally.
It will be interesting to see if a sudden rush to buy before sales cease will offset potential revenue declines.
Since its 2015 debut, the Apple Watch has grown as a significant revenue driver for Apple.
Although exact figures are not disclosed, it falls under the wearables category, generating $39.8 billion in fiscal 2023—a 3.4% decrease from the previous year. According to fact set, the Apple Watch contributed approximately $23.8 billion within that segment.
Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay
Russell Shor
Senior Market Strategist
Russell Shor is a Senior Market Strategist at FXCM, having been promoted to the role in 2025 in recognition of his depth of insight and consistent delivery of high-impact market analysis. He originally joined FXCM in October 2017 as a Senior Market Specialist.
Russell holds an Honours Degree in Economics from the University of South Africa, is a certified FMVA®, and a full member of the Society of Technical Analysts (UK). With over 20 years of experience in financial markets, his work is renowned for its clarity, precision, and strategic value across asset classes.
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