Apple is pulling its latest smartwatch models from the US market

Apple will stop selling the latest versions of its Apple Watch this week in response to an import ban stemming from an ongoing patent dispute. Or to put it another way – when the US government gets involved, it can literally stop time from moving.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 – the company’s two latest flagship models released in September – will be pulled from Apple.com on Thursday, and will no longer be sold in US retail stores starting December 24. Previously sold watches are like MC Hammer and won’t be affected by the ban (can’t touch this), nor will the Apple Watch SE, an older model.

Driving the move: Apple’s decision to remove one of its most popular products ahead of the holiday season stems from a legal dispute with medical device maker Masimo, which claims its US patent for a light-based pulse oximeter was violated by Apple.

• In late October, the US International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Masimo and issued an import ban on Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2, in a decision that was sent to President Biden for a 60-day review period.

👀 Looking ahead… The Apple Watch import ban will take effect on Christmas Day if President Biden doesn’t overturn it before then (not likely). Analysts say Apple could deal with the upcoming ban in several ways, including negotiating a settlement with Masimo, or pushing a software update so that Apple Watches avoid using the contested technology.