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Apple Watch Series 9 is back: Where to find one now
Apple
Some models of Apple Watch has been tough to come by lately, thanks to an international trade dispute moving through the courts. But if you’ve had your eye on the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you may be in luck. An appeals court just put the Apple Watch ban on hold — at least, temporarily — and those models are now back in Apple stores.
If you’re hoping shop those popular watches online, there’s even better news. In a statement, Apple said both models, “including the blood oxygen feature,” would be available for purchase on the company’s website starting at noon Pacific time on Thursday. Meantime, the models are also still in stock at many popular online retailers such as Amazon.
If all this news is giving you whiplash, you’re likely not alone. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 effectively disappeared in the U.S. on December 24 — from the Apple Store, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart or anywhere that sells the popular smartwatches. As of now, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request for a longer stay while the issue moves through the courts.
Read on to learn where to buy an Apple Watch now.
Get the Apple Watch online: Quick links
Ready to buy that Apple Watch? We don’t blame you. Here’s where you’re most likely to find the watch in stock online right now.
Why was the Apple Watch facing a ban?
Apple briefly removed the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models from store shelves in the United States due to an October ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC). This decision was the outcome of a patent dispute between Apple and the medical technology company Masimo concerning the blood oxygen sensor technology used in both Apple Watch models.
Masimo accused Apple of infringing on five patents. The ITC found that Apple infringed on two of these patents, and its offenses specifically related to the pulse oximeter feature in the Apple Watch.
The ITC’s ruling initially led to a 60-day review. During this period, President Biden could have vetoed the ruling, but didn’t.
The ITC rejected Apple’s attempt to stay the ruling on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. Presidential vetoes of ITC decisions aren’t very common. President Obama vetoed an ITC ban on the iPhone in 2013 during Apple’s legal dispute with Samsung. The latest ruling asks the ITC to consider a request by Apple to allow for continued sales of the watches while the issue moves through the courts.
Where to buy affected Apple Watch models
According to Apple, the affected models should already be back in Apple stores. We’ve also found the affected models on Amazon and other retailers right now. Find them using the links below.
Apple Watch Series 9
Amazon
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, excluding the recently launched Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This smartwatch offers a wide range of features to support virtually every aspect of your daily life. Packed with advanced functionalities such as heart monitoring, crash detection, and many more, it comes in a sleek and compact design that makes it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model.
Moreover, it boasts impressive health-tracking capabilities, including electrical heart sensors for ECG, blood oxygen sensing, and a body temperature sensor. Women can also utilize the smartwatch to track their menstrual cycles.
It seamlessly integrates with your new iPhone, enabling you to make calls, send texts, access your favorite apps, and much more.
You can get the Apple Watch Series 9 at Walmart and Amazon right now.
The larger 45mm Apple Watch 9 is available starting at $419 at Amazon and Walmart. It’s a good choice for those with larger wrists.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a standout option for power users or anyone who loves to stay active. It features a more robust set of features that can be crucial in emergency situations, especially if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, hiking, camping or hanging out away from home.
In addition to its GPS capabilities and dual speakers, the Ultra 2 introduces several new features, including an action button, a side button and a trio of microphones. One standout addition is the 86-decibel siren, which can be heard from a distance of up to 600 feet.
It’s rugged, durable and reliable, crafted with a titanium casing. The Ultra 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 36 hours, which can be extended to 72 hours in low power mode.
One notable improvement over the previous Apple Watch Ultra model is the brighter, always-on retina display with a Night Mode, which enhances visibility in dim conditions. It’s worth mentioning that the watch is quite large (49 mm), so if you prefer a more compact screen on your wrist, this may not be the best choice for you.
Currently, you can get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on sale at Amazon. It’s $780, down from its normal Apple Store price of $800.
What models did the Apple Watch ban affect?
The ITC’s ruling specifically targeted the sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 because both of those models feature blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. The Apple Watch SE, while similar, does not have this feature and will continue to be sold regardless of future court rulings.
This and future ITC rulings do not affect Apple Watches with the blood oxygen sensor that have already been sold. These models, including those from Series 6 onwards that feature the technology, will continue to function as normal. Any future ban would only target new sales of the affected models.
Where to buy unaffected Apple Watch models
None of the Apple Watch models outside of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 are affected by any of this legal drama. If you want to buy one of these watches, some models are currently on sale and may be purchased as normal without any looking “expiration date” to be concerned with.
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple
The Apple Watch Series 8 may be one step below the Apple Watch Series 9, but it’s still worth wearing if you don’t want to fork over the extra cash. And it may be the best option going forward if the Apple Watch ban ends up lasting a lengthy period of time.
Of course, the Apple Watch 8 offers an array of features in a sleek, easy-to-wear design, and it works just as well for a little less cash. This model includes health-monitoring tools such as an optical heart sensor, an ECG-capable electrical heart sensor, a blood oxygen sensor and a newly added body temperature sensor.
Additionally, it has an innovative crash detection function that recognizes when the user is involved in a major car accident and promptly notifies emergency responders.
You can get the Apple Watch Series 8 for at Walmart for $400 now.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Amazon
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) packs impressive capabilities as a pared-down alternative to the core Apple Watch models. Given that the Apple Watch Ultra is currently out of stock at most retailers, this is one option that seems to be in stock at most locations and offers the best bang for your buck.
It delivers key features like fitness tracking, crash detection, advanced workout metrics and more. Note that blood oxygen measurement is not included. Like pricier models, the SE allows you to handle calls, texts, music streaming and more right from your wrist when connected to your phone. It also provides 50m of water resistance.
So if you want solid smartwatch functionality without the premium price tag, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a compelling option to consider.
The Apple Watch SE is available in two sizes. The smaller 40 mm size watch is available at Amazon starting at $240, slightly reduced from $249. The version with cellular connectivity costs extra.
The larger 44mm is intermittently available on Amazon.
Will there be another Apple Watch ban?
The future of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 isn’t clear right now. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has until January 10 to respond to Apple’s request for a longer stay while the issue moves through the courts.
In a statement provided to CBS News, Apple said it was “thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year.”
The best, short answer is “we don’t know” at this point, though that could change very quickly.
Will I still be able to use my Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Apple Watch Series 9?
Yes, you will still be able to use your Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Apple Watch Series 9 regardless of any future court rulings. Those rulings will not affect Apple Watches that have already been sold and are in use by consumers.
Affected models, including those with the pulse oximeter feature that is at the center of the patent dispute, will continue to function as normal. Any new ITC decision would only halts new sales and imports of the affected models due to the patent infringement issue.
So, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Series 9, you can continue to use it without any restrictions or changes in functionality. The same goes for the new watches you may purchase now.
Are there any other Apple Watch models that could be affected in the future?
Currently, there’s no indication that other Apple Watch models, aside from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, are affected by the legal situation surrounding the International Trade Commission (ITC). The ruling specifically deals with the usage of Masimo’s blood oxygen sensor technology.
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Long before comic book characters dominated movie screens, actor Christopher Reeve made the world believes in superheroes with the 1978 classic “Superman.”
Reeve died in 2004, nearly a decade after an accident re-shaped his life. “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is using interviews with family and friends and never-before-seen home videos to explore his real-life heroism.
Reeve started his career on the stage, studying at the prestigious Juilliard School and living with comedian Robin Williams. The pair had a friendship that was “more like a brotherhood,” said Reeve’s son Matthew. Reeve was in awe of Williams’ energy and versatility, Matthew Reeve said, but audiences quickly clued into Reeve’s own star power when he took on the role of the Man of Steel.
Warner Bros. Pictures / Getty Images
To his children, though, he “was just dad,” Matthew Reeve said. The documentary explores how Matthew Reeve and his sister Alexandra Reeve Givens grew up watching their dad take the stage as Superman. “Super/Man” also reveals their heartbreak over their parents’ breakup and the joy they found when Reeve re-married. He tied the knot with Dana Reeve in 1992, and the pair welcomed another child, William Reeve, later that year.
“Dana was sunshine,” Alexandra Reeve Givens recalled. “She just brought joy with her wherever she was and could find it even in the darkest moments.”
Those dark moments came suddenly, when in 1995, a near-fatal horseback riding accident left Reeve paralyzed from the neck down. The documentary allows viewers to see, for the first time, what went on out of the public’s view. Reeve can be heard talking about how he “ruined (his) life and everybody else’s,” but in a touching moment, old friend Robin Williams is seen visiting him in the hospital.
“Robin showed him ‘Hey, you’re still you,'” Alexandra Reeve Givens said. “‘You still have this foundation of friendship and people around you, who adore you. And you’re going to find those fun moments in life again.'”
That support from friends and family re-ignited Reeve’s legacy of activism. He made appearances at the Democratic National Convention and the 68th Academy Awards in 1996, about a year after the accident. Matthew Reeve said watching his father address his industry peers at the Oscars was “one of (his) most proud moments.”
“It was just a production for him to get out of bed every morning, let alone get across the country and go out in public for the first time,” Matthew Reeve said. “It was a big deal. It was a big deal to him, but it was also a big deal to the entire disability community. We stayed up in London till like three in the morning to watch that live. It’s a fond memory.”
Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images
Reeve also went on to launch what would become the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing research into spiral cord injury and help individuals and families impacted by paralysis. It was his dad’s mission to find a cure, Matthew Reeve said, while his stepmother wanted to focus on improving the lives of paralyzed people and their families. The foundation and Reeve’s platform helped bring unprecedented attention and funding to spinal cord injury research.
Reeve even kept acting and realized his lifelong dream of directing with the 1997 HBO movie “In the Gloaming.” Reeve died in 2004 from heart failure at 52.
“There is a huge amount of great actors and actresses out there, where their filmography might be amazing and what they achieve on a cultural level might be amazing, but have they actually achieved anything really as a human that moves the needle for our society?” said filmmaker Ian Bonhote, who made the documentary with Peter Ettedgui. “And Chris has done both things.”
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” will open in theaters on Friday, Oct. 11.
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