In an exciting development for Apple enthusiasts, the tech giant has announced the resumption of sales for its latest wearables, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Starting today, select physical Apple stores will once again offer these popular smartwatches, with wider availability expected by Saturday. Additionally, online sales will recommence tomorrow at 3PM ET, according to Apple spokesperson Nikki Rothberg.

This announcement comes in the wake of a temporary sales and import ban imposed by a federal appeals court, which had affected both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 devices. The ban was the result of a patent infringement case brought against Apple by medical device maker Masimo. The US International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Masimo, finding that Apple had violated their patents.

However, the appeals court has now granted Apple the ability to continue selling its watches temporarily, while awaiting a ruling on proposed changes that could potentially resolve the patent dispute. US Customs and Border Protection is scheduled to make a decision regarding the proposed modifications on January 12th.

Apple's spokesperson, Nikki Rothberg, expressed gratitude for the court's decision, stating, "Apple's teams have worked tirelessly over many years to develop technology that empowers users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features and we are pleased the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has stayed the exclusion order while it considers our request to stay the order pending our full appeal."

In compliance with the ban, Apple had previously withdrawn sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches both online and in physical stores ahead of the ban's implementation on December 26th. The prohibition specifically targeted devices equipped with a blood oxygen saturation sensor, a feature that has been a part of Apple's flagship watches since late 2020, starting with the Series 6. The lower-priced Apple Watch SE, which does not include the blood oxygen saturation sensor, has remained available for purchase.

During the ban, third-party retailers were allowed to continue selling their existing stock of Apple Watches, but the import ban would have eventually prevented them from acquiring additional units.

With the temporary ban lifted, Apple enthusiasts can once again purchase the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, taking advantage of the cutting-edge technology and innovative health features these devices offer. As the company awaits further developments in the patent dispute, loyal customers can enjoy the reassurance that the beloved Apple watches are back on the market, ready to enhance their daily lives with style and functionality.