If you’ve been hankering for an Apple Watch Series 9 or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 at a cheaper price, you’re going to like this.
Apple has posted the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the refurbished section of its online store in the U.S. for the first time. While it’s unknown exactly when the models will be available, the company has grayed-out labels for the smartwatches on the desktop refurbished section of its website, a routine step that Apple takes shortly before selling new refurbished models.
It’s expected that the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold via the refurbished website would have the Blood Oxygen app deactivated given Apple’s ongoing legal battle with medical technology company Masimo. Last year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) banned Apple from importing and selling Apple Watch models with blood oxygen sensing after it ruled that the feature infringed on Masimo’s patents. Apple also stopped selling refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 models in the U.S. after the ban took effect, as those also offer the Blood Oxygen app.
It’s also possible that Apple and Masimo could settle their legal conflict before Apple begins to sell the refurbished Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, allowing for the Blood Oxygen app to be activated on the units. If not, the feature could still be re-enabled with a watchOS software update in the future, if and when the legal battle is resolved.
The first-generation Apple Watch Ultra has never been offered in Apple’s refurbished store in the U.S., but it is available in the U.K., Ireland, China, and Japan. Since the ITC’s ruling applies to the U.S. only, the Blood Oxygen app is still functional on Apple Watch models sold in all other countries.
U.S. customers who want an Ultra 2 or Series 9 with the Blood Oxygen app activated can still purchase one from Best Buy for now.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.