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Apple tries to dodge iPhone sales ban in China with software update

Apple has promised to update - FR155217 AP
Apple has promised to update - FR155217 AP

Apple has pledged to update its smartphone software in China to avoid a court-imposed sales ban following a legal spat with Qualcomm over alleged patent infringements.

Earlier this week, Apple was dealt a fresh blow when chipmaker Qualcomm said that a Chinese court had ordered a ban on the sale of several different iPhone models.

Apple will carry out the software updates at the start of next week to “address any possible concern about our compliance with the order", the firm said in a statement to Reuters.

At the time of the ruling Apple said that it only applied to phones that were running older versions of its software and as a result all of its iPhone models would remain on sale. 

Apple's shares fell by 2pc following the announcement, which fueled questions about the future of the smartphone-maker in one of its core markets.

Apple said: “Based on the iPhone models we offer today in China, we believe we are in compliance.

“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.”

Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm, said: "Apple continues to disregard and violate the Fuzhou court's orders. 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."

The US chip manufacturer has accused Apple of stealing its intellectual property in an escalating global legal dispute.

The two companies are suing each other in multiple courts around the world, seeking billions in damages. Apple has claimed that Qualcomm is illegally demanding manufacturers pay excessive royalties for use of its network technology, while Qualcomm has accused Apple of violating patents.