Apple’s attempts to postpone the ban on Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 have not succeeded – find out where these products are still available for purchase.
Apple won't sell things online, but other stores can still help you buy stuff.
Apple tried to delay a ban on selling the Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2, but it didn’t work. So, today’s the last day to buy these smart watches directly from Apple online in the US. They have to take them off their shelves soon.
After 3pm ET on December 21, you can’t get the Watch 9 or Ultra 2 from Apple’s online store. The last chance to pick them up or have them delivered is December 24. After that, you’ll have to find them at other big stores.
Most retailers presently boast ample stock, evident in the table below. However, this abundance is temporary; the impending import ban will halt the arrival of new inventory, depleting store supplies.
We’ve curated numerous wearables listings, organized neatly in tables. Acting swiftly is advisable, as once these items sell out, replenishment won’t be possible on these platforms.
Apple Watch 9
| Model | Retailer | Cost |
| Apple Watch 9 – 41mm | Amazon | $330 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 45mm | Amazon | $360 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 41mm | Target | $330 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 45mm | Target | $360 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 41mm | Best Buy | $330 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 45mm | Best Buy | $360 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 41mm GPS plus Cellular | Walmart | $430 |
| Apple Watch 9 – 45mm GPS plus Cellular | Walmart | $460 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2
| Retailer | Cost |
| Amazon | $750 |
| Best Buy | $750 |
| Target | $800 |
| Walmart | $800 |
Source(www.techradar.com)
The ban affects only two models, leaving the Apple Watch SE, lacking blood oxygen monitoring, unaffected. Current owners of Apple Watch 9, Ultra 2, or older models won’t see any disruption in their device’s functionalities. There’s no indication of a patch to disable blood oxygen monitoring in existing devices.
Apple plans to appeal the ruling to the Federal Circuit, aiming to overturn it. Reports suggest Apple is developing a software update to modify the feature and bypass the ban. However, Masimo’s CEO mentioned that the patent issue pertains to hardware, casting doubt on the efficacy of a software patch. Nevertheless, discussions are open between Masimo and Apple to resolve the matter.
Speculation revolves around President Biden potentially having the authority to veto the ban, contingent upon the decision of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. The White House has stated that Ambassador Tai has the authority to determine the fate of the affected Apple Watch models.
The future of these devices remains uncertain for now, and there’s no definite timeline for their potential return to the market.
Heaven Greene