Apple plans to issue a software patch to its iPhones to appease Qualcomm and Chinese authorities. Earlier this week, a Chinese court found Apple to be in violation of two Qualcomm patents pertaining to resizing pictures and managing apps with a touch screen.
The court issued a ban against Apple, blocking it from importing a range of phones into China. Though Apple is appealing that decision, it claims it can mitigate the issue via software.
“Based on the iPhone models we offer today in China, we believe we are in compliance,” said Apple in a statement provided to Reuters. Even so, the company went on to say, “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 didn’t provide details concerning how the update will resolve the issue. As part of its appeal to the Chinese court, Apple said any ban would impact Chinese suppliers, Chinese consumers, and tax revenue it pays to Chinese authorities.
While the ruling called for an immediate ban, Apple’s devices still remain available for sale in China. The patent spat between Apple and Qualcomm is part of a global battle over patent licensing practices and royalty payments.
