Apple’s ban affects even the repairs of their watches; more problems for Tim Cook

If you have an Apple Watch that is still within its 14-day return period, you won’t be able to exchange it for another model.

We have been discussing for a few days the big problem that Apple has with its two most advanced watches: the Watch Series 9 and the Watch Ultra 2. A patent issue prevents the American company from selling them in its territory. And today we have discovered the second part of the story.

AppleTV+ DOWNLOAD

According to Bloomberg, Apple will not be able to repair hardware issues (such as broken screens) on any Apple smartwatch that is outside of its standard one-year warranty, starting from the Apple Watch 6 that was launched in 2020.

Apple will contact customers when replacements become available, according to a memo seen by Bloomberg. However, assistance with Apple Watch software-related issues can still be provided.

And furthermore, if you have an Apple Watch that is still within its 14-day return period, you will not be able to exchange it for another model (a different color or size, for example), but refunds will still be accepted during the ban.

A fight that could take a toll on Apple

All of this represents a huge headache for Apple, which is fighting against patent claims filed by a company called Masimo. Masimo insists that the technology Apple uses in the blood oxygen sensor of the Apple Watch infringes its own patents.

At the moment, it is not clear how long the legal process will last, but the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has decided that the claims have sufficient grounds to impose a ban on the latest models of the Apple Watch.

Apple also cannot import more smartwatches from its manufacturers to the US. So, although retailers will be able to continue selling the wearables for now, stocks will not last forever.

Author: Chema Carvajal Sarabia

{ "de-DE": "Journalist, spezialisiert auf Technologie, Unterhaltung und Videospiele. Über das zu schreiben, was mich begeistert (Gadgets, Spiele und Filme), ermöglicht es mir, bei Verstand zu bleiben und mit einem Lächeln im Gesicht aufzuwachen, wenn der Wecker klingelt. PS: Das stimmt nicht 100% der Zeit.", "en-US": "Journalist specialized in technology, entertainment and video games. Writing about what I'm passionate about (gadgets, games and movies) allows me to stay sane and wake up with a smile on my face when the alarm clock goes off. PS: this is not true 100% of the time.", "es-ES": "Content Manager - Periodista especializado en tecnología, entretenimiento y videojuegos. Escribir sobre lo que me apasiona (cacharros, juegos y cine) me permite seguir cuerdo y despertarme con una sonrisa cuando suena el despertador. PD: esto no es cierto el 100 % de las veces.", "fr-FR": "Journaliste spécialisé dans la technologie, le divertissement et les jeux vidéo. Écrire sur ce qui me passionne (gadgets, jeux et films) me permet de rester sain d'esprit et de me réveiller avec le sourire aux lèvres quand le réveil sonne. PS : cela n'est pas vrai 100 % du temps.", "it-IT": "Giornalista specializzato in tecnologia, intrattenimento e videogiochi. Scrivere di ciò che mi appassiona (gadget, giochi e film) mi permette di mantenere la sanità mentale e di svegliarmi con un sorriso sul viso quando suona la sveglia. PS: questo non è vero al 100% del tempo.", "ja-JP": "", "nl-NL": "", "pl-PL": "", "pt-BR": "Jornalista especializado em tecnologia, entretenimento e videogames. Escrever sobre o que me apaixona (gadgets, jogos e filmes) me permite manter a sanidade e acordar com um sorriso no rosto quando o despertador toca. PS: isso não é verdade 100% do tempo.", "social": { "email": "chemacs91@gmail.com", "facebook": "", "twitter": "https://twitter.com/chematopetazo", "linkedin": "" } }