While Apple's self-imposed deadline has yet to pass, the company has begun stopping sales and shipments of some Apple Watch models from its online store. Although a complete ban on Apple Watch sales order shipments will not begin until 3:00 pm Eastern Time on December 21, some models have already been affected. Spot checks Wednesday night showed nearly all models were ready to ship immediately. However, the delivery times for most of these models changed overnight, and new information appeared in the delivery options column, indicating that they can only be picked up in stores.
Apple has not officially announced the end of online ordering, and users can still complete most of the ordering process. However, users can only choose to "pick up the goods in the store today", that is, pick up the goods directly from the Apple retail store.
The ban was imposed based on a January 2023 ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC). The International Trade Commission sided with medical company Masimo in a lawsuit claiming Apple's Apple Watch blood oximeter infringed on its patents.
Then in October 2023, the ITC recommended that the United States ban imports. The recommendation then enters a 60-day presidential review process, with the Biden administration having the option to veto the recommendation.
Apple previously stated: "The presidential review period is ongoing, involving the U.S. International Trade Commission's order regarding a technical intellectual property dispute related to the Apple Watch device containing blood oxygen function. Although the review period will not end until December 25, if the ruling is established, Apple will take preemptive measures to comply."
Apple Watch orders already placed will still be filled, and the ban will not affect buyers outside the United States.
Before December 24, 2023, in addition to still being able to buy Apple Watch at Apple’s own retail stores, other resellers also have many discounts on Apple Watch. "As previously confirmed, the ban will not affect retail stores until December 24.