Apple pauses US sales of smartwatches after patent ruling

The news: Apple will pause sales of the latest versions of its smartwatch in the US this week due to a patent dispute over the technology that enables the blood oxygen sensor on the devices, Reuters reported.

The numbers: US sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be halted on the company’s online store on from 21 December and at its physical retail locations from 24 December, the company said in a statement Monday. Apple shares were down 1.4% after the news.

The context: Apple's decision follows a ruling by the US International Trade Commission in October that the tech giant violates patents by listed medical technology firm Masimo Corp, relating to how the watches calculate a person's blood oxygen saturation. Apple's announcement sees the company taking some of its best-selling devices off the market during the lucrative holiday season.