Apple is facing issues with their latest Apple Watch devices and the blood oxygen sensors, the SpO2 sensors used within the hardware. A patent dispute with Masimo led to the removal of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales online.
Apple has removed the latest smartwatches from the US online store due to the ban imposed by the US ITC.
The ban only impacts the sales within the US specifically while other countries will remain the same.
The ITC import ban will take full effect on December 26, meaning Apple has to cease selling both watches after December 24. Refurbished versions of earlier watches containing the SpO2 sensors have also been taken down from the online marketplace.
Apple initially made a bid in an attempt to delay the ban however the ITC refused and stated they are 'determined to deny the respondent's motion...'
In response to the ban, Apple is working on software changes in hopes that they can place the watches back online.
Out-of-warranty hardware for a few models has also been affected by the ban. Apple Watch Series 6 and onward will be ineligible for repair without an active warranty.
For those with a warranty, they aren't affected by this aspect of the situation.