Technologies

Apple to Halt Sales of Its Newest Apple Watches. Here’s What to Know

Apple is pausing sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US as part of an ongoing legal dispute. The Apple Watch SE is unaffected.

Apple will pause sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US this month as the result of an ongoing legal battle with health tech company Masimo.

The US International Trade Commission, the federal agency that handles trade-related mandates, previously issued an order that would prohibit Apple from importing the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The decision came after a US judge ruled in January that Apple infringed on Masimo patents related to the technology used in Apple’s blood oxygen sensing system. The order is currently under presidential review, but Apple is preemptively pausing sales in case the decision is upheld, the company said. The move was first reported by 9to5Mac on Monday, and Apple has since confirmed its decision to CNET.

The Apple Watch is one of Apple’s most important products, helping push the company’s wearables, home and accessories business to be its second-largest product category behind the iPhone. Apple has previously said the size of its wearables unit alone equals that of a Fortune 150 company.

Apple will stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 through its website on Dec. 21, while Apple stores will stop selling the watches on Dec. 24.

«Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,» the company said in a statement to CNET. «Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that [the] Apple Watch is available to customers.»

The company added that it will «continue to take all measures to return [the] Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible,» if the order stands.

Apple’s pause of Apple Watch sales comes during the critical holiday shopping season. Smartwatches were among the top products sold during the Black Friday period, according to holiday shopping data from Adobe.

When the judge’s ruling was made in January, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said the decision «should help restore fairness in the market.»

Here’s what to know about Apple’s pause in sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This story will be updated as we receive more information.

When will Apple stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?

Apple will stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 online at noon PT (3 p.m. ET) on Dec. 21, according to Apple. The company said the last day for the pickup and delivery of online orders, as well as in-store sales, will be end of day Dec. 24.

Can I still buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from other retailers?

The order affects sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 through Apple specifically. But 9to5Mac points out that the order prohibits Apple from importing these watches and selling them to resellers, which means they may only be available through other retailers for a limited time.

However, the order only applies to sales in the US, meaning you should still be able to purchase the Series 9 and Ultra 2 abroad.

Best Buy told CNET it will continue selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US after Dec. 25 even if the order stands.

Which Apple Watch models are affected?

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the only models affected. Since the legal dispute involves the blood oxygen sensing tech used in the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE will continue to be sold as usual. The Apple Watch SE is the lower-end model in Apple’s lineup, meaning it’s missing some health tracking features like blood oxygen sensing and the ability to take an ECG.

Current Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring, which includes any non-SE models starting with the Series 6, also won’t be affected.

What is Masimo and why is Apple pausing sales?

Masimo is a medical technology company that creates professional and consumer health products, including a smartwatch called the Masimo W1. The sales pause is the latest development in an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, in which the latter accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximeter patents.

What happens next?

The presidential review period ends on Dec. 25, so we’re expecting to learn more about whether the import ban will stand after that deadline. Apple also plans to appeal the ITC’s decision to the federal circuit, the company said.

It’s rare for an order like this to be vetoed, said Rochelle Dreyfuss, professor of law emerita at the New York University School of Law. But it’s happened before, specifically in 2013 when the Obama administration vetoed a ban that would have blocked the sale of certain older iPhone and iPad models in the US after the ITC found that Apple had infringed on Samsung patents.

The Apple Watch is a health product, which could work in Apple’s favor when it comes to the presidential review process, Dreyfuss said. But there are also plenty of other products that offer blood oxygen monitoring, which is the specific function at the heart of the legal dispute.

«Are there other industries that provide exactly the same service? So can Americans actually get that product?» she said. «That’s something that the industry has already decided against Apple. … So this would be the president sort of interfering with that decision,» she added, referring to if the Biden administration were to veto the ITC decision.

If I can’t buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, what are my alternatives?

It’s worth waiting to see what happens after the presidential review process before making any decisions. Those with an iPhone who just want a smartwatch for tracking activity, workouts and sleep should consider the $249 Apple Watch SE. While that watch lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, it can still provide notifications for high and low heart rates and irregular heart rhythms.

The Apple Watch SE is the best choice for those who are most comfortable in Apple’s ecosystem, but there are also other options that work across iPhone and Android, like the Fitbit Versa 4 and Garmin Venu 3.

Those who are looking to monitor blood oxygen levels from home specifically should consider buying a standalone pulse oximeter, said Jennifer Schrack, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

«Consumer wearables are a great supplemental way for people stay informed about their health, but they are subject to error,» Schrack said over email. «It is important to remember that they are measuring blood oxygen using PPG sensors, which can be affected by things like skin tone.»

But again, if your heart is set on the Series 9 or Ultra 2, and you aren’t in a position to buy one right now, it’s worth waiting to see whether the ITC’s order stands before making a decision.

Technologies

Xbox Set to Bring Resident Evil, Star Wars and More to Xbox Game Pass

Subscribers can play several other games, including the original Final Fantasy in all its 2D glory, on Game Pass in January.

Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth game in the main Resident Evil series, is set to be released on Feb. 26. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can prepare for Requiem by playing Resident Evil Village, the most recent entry in the series, starting on Jan. 20.

Xbox Game Pass offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV and PC or mobile device, with prices starting at $10 a month. While all Game Pass tiers offer you a library of games, Game Pass Ultimate ($30 a month) gives you access to the most games, as well as Day 1 games, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, added monthly.

Here are all the games subscribers can play on Game Pass soon. You can also check out other games the company added to the service in December, including Marvel Cosmic Invasion.

Note: «Handheld» means a game is optimized for handheld play.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Brews & Bastards (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S)

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can play now.

What’s a hero gotta do to get a drink around here? Choose an inebriated hero to travel deep under a tavern in search of the stolen Brew Stone. You’ll explore tavern-themed dungeons and use bar-inspired weapons, like high-caliber champagne bottles, to blast through drunken demons and other boozy monsters. And if you’ve ever called one of your exes a drunken demon, maybe this game will be a little cathartic for you.

Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition (cloud, handheld, PC and Xbox Series X/S)

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can play now.

Little Nightmares is back in high-quality 4K and 60 frames per second in this enhanced edition of the dark tale. You play as a lone child trapped in a massive world inhabited by monstrous versions of adults called the Maw. All you can do is run from these creatures, but you’ll also have to sneak and hide to throw them off your trail if you want to survive.

Atomfall (cloud, console, handheld and PC)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

The Windscale fire was the worst nuclear disaster in the UK’s history, and it’s estimated that it caused between 100 and 240 cancer-related deaths. Atomfall asks, «What if Windscale was similar in magnitude to the disaster at Chornobyl?»

This game takes place five years after a far more devastating Windscale disaster. You’ll encounter gangs of bandits, cults and rogue government agencies throughout the quarantine zone in the beautiful Lake District, in northern England. It’s up to you whether you avoid conflict or charge into the heat of battle, but resources are scarce, so maybe don’t go in guns blazing every chance you get.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (cloud, Xbox Series X/S, handheld and PC)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

You’re the once-great ruler of Random, Queen Aleksandra, and you’re on a mission of vengeance and redemption in this fast-paced rogue-like game. You’ll fight monsters and beasts with four unique weapons, plus powerful card-based abilities and relics. But death isn’t final here, so if you fall, you’ll return to Sanctuary to rearm, upgrade and prepare for your next run.

Rematch (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Tackle, dribble and score in this team-based football game (or soccer, depending on your locale). This game was designed for 5v5 online multiplayer matches where players control a single athlete. That means you’ll have to coordinate and plan with the rest of your co-op teammates if you want to win. And with no player stats to give one person an advantage over another, coordination is the key to success.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S)

New to Game Pass Premium. Previously on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

You are Capt. Demetrian Titus, an Ultramarine in the Imperium of Man tens of thousands of years from now, and it’s up to you and your squad to help reclaim the Forge World Graia from an Ork horde. Originally released in 2011, this third-person shooter has been remastered for modern consoles with enhanced character models, a modernized control scheme and more. So grab your chainsword and bolter and get ready to fight. For the Emperor!

Final Fantasy (cloud, Xbox Series X/S and PC)

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Jan. 8.

This is the game that started it all. Join the Warriors of Light on a journey to restore power to the Crystals and save their home world. The remastered version of this game introduces enhanced gameplay features, including auto-battle and more, to your screen.

Star Wars Outlaws (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S)

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Jan. 13.

Luke Skywalker and the Jedis are cool and all, but who didn’t want to be a cool smuggler like Han Solo? This open-world Star Wars game lets you become just that. You play as Kay Vess, a scoundrel looking for freedom and a new life. You’ll fight, steal and outsmart crime syndicates from around the galaxy. But the Empire is out there, too, so watch your back.

My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery (cloud, console, handheld and PC)

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Jan. 15.

Go on an adventure with Sunny, Hitch, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp and Misty as you try to solve a mystery together. Strange music is turning the world upside down, and it’s up to you and your friends to use your powers to put a stop to the music.

Resident Evil Village (cloud, console and PC)

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Jan. 20.

The latest entry in the mainline Resident Evil series puts you back in the shoes of Ethan Winters as he ventures into a haunting European village in search of his abducted daughter. You’ll fight lycans, vampires and other monstrous creatures as you try to uncover why your daughter was taken and your wife was murdered.

MIO: Memories in Orbit (cloud, handheld, PC and Xbox Series X/S)

Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass subscribers can play on Jan. 20.

Get ready to explore a treacherous ship in this sci-fi metroidvania game. You play as Mio, a nimble android who wakes up in the Vessel, a spaceship drifting aimlessly through the stars. The ship’s machines have gone rogue, and vegetation has taken over parts of the Vessel. It’s up to you to figure out what happened to the Vessel and the ship’s purpose.

Games leaving Xbox Game Pass on Jan. 15

While Microsoft is bringing those games to different Game Pass tiers this month, the company is also removing these games from the service on Jan. 15. So, you still have some time to complete your campaign or any sidequests before you have to purchase these games separately.

For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now and check out our hands-on review of the gaming service. You can also learn about recent changes to the Game Pass service.

Technologies

We’ve Found the Coolest, Most Futuristic Tech at CES 2026. And the Show Just Started

We’ve already had a day to trawl for our favorite cutting-edge technology. Neat stuff abounds!

We have people all over the show floor and beyond at CES, searching for the most interesting, innovative and cutting-edge tech available. A ton of useful new information is also available, which you can find on our CES 2026 live blog and in our CES hub.

The show floor opened Tuesday, and we had a lot of preview time beforehand to gawk at some CES staples, such as robots, electronic toys, phones and more. I’ll be back here to top off our fun finds regularly throughout the show.

Technologies

Grab This Tariff-Busting Xbox Series X Deal and Save $44 While You Can

You can bag a 1TB Xbox Series X for just $606, but act fast, since we don’t know how long this deal will last.

Ever since tariffs and other economic uncertainty led to Xbox price increases in late 2025, things have gotten expensive. A 1TB Xbox Series X now sells for $50 more than it used to, and there is little sign of these prices improving anytime soon.

Thankfully, every so often, a deal pops up that helps make things a little more affordable like this Walmart discount that slashes that same Series X to just $606. The catch? Well, there isn’t one. But we don’t expect this deal to last for long, so make sure to get your order in soon before it leaves for good.

The Xbox Series X has been around for a while now, so there are no surprises with what you get in the box. The Series X comes with a 1TB SSD for storage, and you get a controller in the box. This version also has a disc drive for installing games and watching Blu-ray movies, too.

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You can look forward to watching 4K content and playing 4K games, as well as enjoying audio options such as Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD and DTS. All of that makes this a capable machine, whether you want to watch content or play games.

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Why this deal matters

It’s unlikely that Xbox prices will get any cheaper anytime soon, so deals like this are the best we can expect for a while now. If you’re in the market for an Xbox and have the $604 to spare, then this is probably the time to place your order before it’s too late.