We have been discussing for a few days the big problem that Apple has with its two most advanced watches: the Watch Series 9 and the Watch Ultra 2. A patent issue prevents the American company from selling them in its territory. And today we have discovered the second part of the story.
According to Bloomberg, Apple will not be able to repair hardware issues (such as broken screens) on any Apple smartwatch that is outside of its standard one-year warranty, starting from the Apple Watch 6 that was launched in 2020.
Apple will contact customers when replacements become available, according to a memo seen by Bloomberg. However, assistance with Apple Watch software-related issues can still be provided.
And furthermore, if you have an Apple Watch that is still within its 14-day return period, you will not be able to exchange it for another model (a different color or size, for example), but refunds will still be accepted during the ban.
A fight that could take a toll on Apple
All of this represents a huge headache for Apple, which is fighting against patent claims filed by a company called Masimo. Masimo insists that the technology Apple uses in the blood oxygen sensor of the Apple Watch infringes its own patents.
At the moment, it is not clear how long the legal process will last, but the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has decided that the claims have sufficient grounds to impose a ban on the latest models of the Apple Watch.
Apple also cannot import more smartwatches from its manufacturers to the US. So, although retailers will be able to continue selling the wearables for now, stocks will not last forever.
