Apple to Halt Watch Sales as It Prepares to Comply With U.S. Import Ban

Apple is set to halt sales of its smartwatch in the coming days as it prepares to comply with a U.S. import ban ordered by a federal trade agency that found the company violated patents of a competitor.

The company will pause U.S. online sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 beginning on Dec. 21 and in U.S. stores after Dec. 24, removing from the market a popular Christmas gift just days before the holiday. The Series 9 and Ultra 2 are the primary newer models for sale on the company’s website. The SE, an older model that wasn’t part of the ruling, will continue to be sold. Previously sold watches won’t be affected by the ban.