After being compelled to stop selling Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. owing to a patent infringement complaint, Apple just suffered a serious setback. Beyond the fact that the newest versions of Apple Watches are not yet available, the case has another significant consequence that will probably have an impact on millions of users worldwide. The Apple Watch ban controversy, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, will affect the repairability of older devices and prevent the tech giant from fixing Apple Watch models that are no longer under warranty.
According to Gurman, Apple has notified its customer care executives that when a product's warranty expires in the US, the firm would not repair Apple Watch Series 6 and subsequent models. Hardware repairs and complete unit replacement are not covered. The Apple Watch SE is an exception, however, since it lacks the blood oxygen monitoring functionality for which Apple is battling Masimo for a patent, a battle that Apple is likely losing.
The decision states that Apple is unable to provide repairs until the US International Trade Commission's (ITC) prohibition is removed.
If you're not up to date on the situation, Apple has been charged for violating two blood oxygen sensor patents by the medical business Masimo.
You will be qualified for repairs if you have bought the Apple Care plan for your Apple Watch. Those without an Apple Care subscription whose Apple Watch warranty has run out will need to hire a third party to fix their device.
Apple will notify the impacted customers that they will be contacted again when fixes become available, until it is authorized to provide repair services.
It's time to exercise additional caution if your Apple Watch Series 6 or later has reached the end of its warranty. Up to sixty days after the purchase of a new Apple device, you may purchase Apple Care+.