Apple confirms a software update for iPhones in China is coming next week to avoid a sales ban issued by Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court.
The news comes on the heels of the Chinese court's ruling to instantaneously stop Apple from selling seven older iPhone models in China amid an unresolved infringement case between Apple and Qualcomm.
The older iPhones involved in the sales ban are applicable to iPhone 6S, the iPhone 6S Plus, the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus, the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus, and the iPhone X. The court's ruling excludes new iPhones such as the XS, the XS Max, and the XR.
The renowned chip maker and the Cupertino-based multi-national company have been caught in a legal battle for years now over Apple's use of Qualcomm's technology.
iPhone Software Update In China
In a statement issued to Reuters on Friday, Apple announced a software update will roll out at the start of next week. This move will tackle a potential issue pertaining to its compliance with the order handed down by the Chinese court this week.
"Based on the iPhone models we offer today in China, we believe we are in compliance," Apple said. "Early next week we will deliver a software update for iPhone users in China addressing the minor functionality of the two patents at issue in the case."
Apple Is Violating Court Order
Apple has continued to sell the seven iPhone models in China. According to the company, those devices are running a new software that was not part of the debate at trial, hence, are not covered by the ruling.
However, Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's executive vice president who also acts as the company's general counsel, claimed that Apple was already violating the order issued by the Chinese court banning the sales of the iPhones in question in China.
"They are legally obligated to immediately cease sales, offers for sale and importation of the devices identified in the orders and to prove compliance in court," Rosenberg said.
This week, the long-time chip manufacturer conjured the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court to uphold the preliminary injunction.
Qualcomm Vs. Apple
Qualcomm, the largest supplier of modem chips for smartphones, said that it won a preliminary injunction against iPhone 6s through iPhone X that run iOS 11. Apple, the chip maker argued, has infringed two of its owned IP: resizing photos and app management on a touch screen.
Apple, meanwhile, filed a lawsuit against Qualcomm in January of last year, claiming that the latter is performing monopolistic practices that hurt the industry and Apple itself. Qualcomm disputed such claim, saying that its practices are permitted by law.
