After the Apple Watch import ban takes effect on December 25, 2023, Apple will not be able to repair out-of-warranty Apple Watch models in the United States. Apple Watch repairs typically involve replacing a damaged device with a new model rather than repairing individual components, so replacement devices will not be available.
Apple shared the news with retail employees in a memo sent out this week. Apple will cease all online sales of Apple Watch in the United States within a few hours, and in-store sales will also cease after December 24.
The following watches do not offer a Product Replacement Unit (CRU) program in the U.S.: "Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch Ultra or later," the memo reads.
Apple cannot provide replacement services for any out-of-warranty Apple Watch with a blood oxygen sensor, including Apple Watch Series 6 and later and the original Apple Watch Ultra. Users with damaged Apple Watches will need to wait for repairs until hardware replacement is available again, software-based repairs will continue to be available.
Replacements are allowed for Apple Watch models under warranty. This includes a standard one-year warranty on new devices and extended coverage through AppleCare.
After the ban takes effect, customers will not be able to replace their Apple Watch, but they can replace accessories such as watch bands and accept returns.
The U.S. International Trade Commission is halting imports of Apple Watches with blood oxygen sensing technology, meaning Apple cannot bring them to the United States from overseas production sites. The U.S. International Trade Commission said in October that Apple infringed on a blood oxygen patent owned by medical device company Masimo and set a ban date of December 25.
Apple could avoid a sales suspension if the White House vetoed the ban, but that hasn't happened yet. The White House has until December 25 to make a decision.
Other options include resolving the dispute with Masimo, which would require Apple to pay Masimo licensing fees for the patented technology, or remove the infringing technology. Apple is working on a software fix for the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensing algorithm, which it believes will be enough to put the Apple Watch back on sale.
Although Apple must stop selling Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch SE will continue to be sold. Third-party retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart will also continue to sell all Apple Watch models while supplies last.