Apple pulls iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 from sale in Germany as part of sales ban
Apple has withdrawn the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 from sale from its online store and retail outlets in Germany, one day after Qualcomm posted its $1.52 billion security bond required by a Munich court to enforce the countrywide ban.
iPhone 8 at an Apple Store
Customers in Germany accessing the online Apple Store are no longer able to see the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 as an available-to-purchase model, with only the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR as the only options available. Previously, both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 were listed alongside the 2018 models, and are still available in other EU markets.
Attempts to access the sales pages of both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 bounce users to the main German regional front page, showing the option has definitively been removed from that specific store.
The removals follow Qualcomm's posting of a 1.34 billion euro ($1.52 billion) bond, one mandated as part of a ruling by the court in late December, deciding the iPhones infringed on Qualcomm's patents relating to power saving. Apple was ordered to stop sales and imports of any infringing hardware, and to recall units from third-party vendors.
The iPhone menu from the online Apple Store in France (top) and Germany (bottom)
A statement on the matter supplied to AppleInsider by Apple claims "Qualcomm's campaign is a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues between our companies. Their tactics, in the courts and in their everyday business, are harming innovation and harming consumers."
Apple goes on to claim Qualcomm "insists on charging exorbitant fees based on work they didn't do," and points out the investigations by various governments into the activities.
"We are of course disappointed by this verdict and we plan to appeal," said Apple.
While all iPhone models are still available through carriers and resellers in Germany, Apple advised it would not be selling the iPhone 7 or iPhone 8 in its 15 retail outlets in the country, and that the current generation models will remain available to buy.
The German iPhone ban is one of a number of recent events in Apple's ongoing legal battles with Qualcomm, primarily over patent licensing and infringement. In China, critics are attacking the company for seemingly flouting another court order banning the import and sale of some iPhone models.
The two companies are also expected to head to court in the United States in April over some elements of the dispute.
iPhone 8 at an Apple Store
Customers in Germany accessing the online Apple Store are no longer able to see the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 as an available-to-purchase model, with only the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR as the only options available. Previously, both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 were listed alongside the 2018 models, and are still available in other EU markets.
Attempts to access the sales pages of both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 bounce users to the main German regional front page, showing the option has definitively been removed from that specific store.
The removals follow Qualcomm's posting of a 1.34 billion euro ($1.52 billion) bond, one mandated as part of a ruling by the court in late December, deciding the iPhones infringed on Qualcomm's patents relating to power saving. Apple was ordered to stop sales and imports of any infringing hardware, and to recall units from third-party vendors.
The iPhone menu from the online Apple Store in France (top) and Germany (bottom)
A statement on the matter supplied to AppleInsider by Apple claims "Qualcomm's campaign is a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues between our companies. Their tactics, in the courts and in their everyday business, are harming innovation and harming consumers."
Apple goes on to claim Qualcomm "insists on charging exorbitant fees based on work they didn't do," and points out the investigations by various governments into the activities.
"We are of course disappointed by this verdict and we plan to appeal," said Apple.
While all iPhone models are still available through carriers and resellers in Germany, Apple advised it would not be selling the iPhone 7 or iPhone 8 in its 15 retail outlets in the country, and that the current generation models will remain available to buy.
The German iPhone ban is one of a number of recent events in Apple's ongoing legal battles with Qualcomm, primarily over patent licensing and infringement. In China, critics are attacking the company for seemingly flouting another court order banning the import and sale of some iPhone models.
The two companies are also expected to head to court in the United States in April over some elements of the dispute.
Comments
Not one Android phone scores above 8,900.
And if they win on appeal Qualcomm must cover their losses. That's what the bond is for.
https://ibb.co/9pDqkyX
Which changes the merits of doing so not one whit. A lessor company might have been bowed to negotiation with Qualcomm, exactly as Qualcomm is attempting to force here. It’s Qualcomm who lacks integrity, refusing to stand only on the merits of their case against Apple having broken a contract. Instead, they are determined to fight dirty, to distract from the main issues and force Apple to the table. And Apple has stated as much in their response to this case and the one in China. If Qualcomm felt their position on licensing were defensible, they wouldn’t need to tarnish their image further with these pathetic sideshows. Apple is a willing licensee of any patent it’s using, but it requires two to negotiate in good faith for a fair deal to be struck.
..altho IMO there's likely terms in the now-expired contracts stipulating obligations from both parties should the contract terminate and not be renewed. I've not seen any of the contract terms of course so just guessing based on licensing contracts I have seen before.