China imposes Apple import ban on some iPhones in Qualcomm patent battle

Qualcomm has successfully enforced a ban on the import and sale of iPhones through a court in China. It would be iPhones from the 6s to the X, but Apple disputes that and reports that only models with an older operating system are included.

According to Qualcomm, the temporary injunction for an import and sales ban has been issued by the Fuzhou Intermediate People’s Court against four Apple subsidiaries. The Cupertino manufacturer would infringe two Qualcomm patents with the iPhone 6s through the iPhone X and these devices would therefore fall under the order.

One of the patents describes how to adjust the size and appearance of photos, according to Qualcomm. The other patent deals with viewing, navigating and closing applications using a touchscreen. “Apple still uses our intellectual property and refuses to compensate us,” Qualcomm said.

Apple downplays the impact of the import ban in a statement to CNBC. “All iPhone models will continue to be available to our customers in China.” According to the company, iOS 12, the version that is now running on the relevant devices, is not covered by the ban; it would only concern older versions of the operating system. “Qualcomm’s commitment to ban our products is another desperate attempt by a company under investigation worldwide for illegal practices,” Apple said.

Qualcomm and Apple have been in trouble for some time now. In addition to patent disputes, conflicts arose when Apple chose Intel modems for its iPhones over Qualcomm’s. In the ensuing battle, Qualcomm accused Apple, among other things, of passing on classified information about modems to Intel.