Among all the consequences caused by Apple’s legal disputes with Qualcomm around the world, the saga of iPhones banned in the Germany is the one that, in the short term, could bring more financial losses to Apple.
Fortunately, it looks like it has already been bypassed.
As reported by Reuters, Apple will again sell in its stores the iPhones 7 and 8, which had ceased to market on its own after the judicial decision at the end of last year in the country.
Just one thing: all devices will be equipped with Qualcomm modems.
It is not known exactly what kind of agreement was reached between Apple and the chip maker, but such a solution had previously been aired; As is well known, Apple uses both Qualcomm and Intel parts to equip the iPhones 7 and 8 (newer models are equipped exclusively with Intel modems).
Apple issued a statement about the return of sales and, as expected, did not spare criticism of Qualcomm:
Qualcomm is trying to use injunctions against our products to try to make Apple succumb to its demands with extortion.
In many cases, they are using patents they have purchased or that have nothing to do with their telecommunications technology to harass Apple and other manufacturers.
To ensure the availability of all iPhone models to consumers in Germany, we have no choice but to stop using Intel chips and ship our devices with Qualcomm parts to the country.
Qualcomm is working to eliminate competition by any means possible, harming consumers and stifling industry innovation in the process.
With the turnaround, the devices will be sold again at Apple’s online and physical stores in Germany – nothing changes for authorized dealers and operator stores, which have not stopped selling the iPhones in question.
via MacRumors
