According to Bloomberg reports, Apple has made a decision to change its customer support policy for Apple Watches that are outside the warranty period, due to an ongoing patent dispute. From now on, the company will no longer offer replacements for these models, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and later. This change in customer support policy comes after Apple announced a temporary suspension of sales for the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the United States, due to a patent dispute regarding the blood oxygen level measurement feature. Currently, these two models are not available for purchase on the Apple US website.
Although Apple will no longer offer replacement screens for damaged Apple Watches outside the warranty period, the company will continue to provide support for software issues that can be resolved through operating system reinstallation. Apple representatives have been instructed to inform affected customers that they will be contacted when the company resumes hardware replacement services. In the meantime, Apple is focusing on alternative forms of assistance that do not require physical device replacement.
The change in customer support policy is Apple’s way of dealing with the complexities of the patent dispute, which has not only affected the availability of certain smartwatch models but also limited the range of service offerings for older devices. Users of Apple Watches outside the warranty period with hardware issues are advised to await further communication from the company regarding the resumption of hardware replacement services. Apple continues to commit to resolving the patent dispute and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Why did Apple stop offering replacements for Apple Watches outside the warranty period?
Apple made this decision due to an ongoing patent dispute regarding the blood oxygen level measurement feature on certain Apple Watch models.
2. What support does Apple still offer for Apple Watches outside the warranty period?
Apple still provides support for software issues that can be resolved through operating system reinstallation.
3. When will Apple resume hardware replacement services for Apple Watches outside the warranty period?
Apple will contact affected customers when the company resumes hardware replacement services. Currently, there is no exact date for the renewal of these services.
Definitions:
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is a series of smartwatches produced by Apple Inc.
Patent
A patent is a legal right that protects inventions or technical solutions from unauthorized use by other individuals or companies.
Patent dispute
A patent dispute is a situation where at least two parties engage in a legal dispute regarding intellectual property rights. In the case of the Apple Watch, it pertains to a dispute over the blood oxygen level measurement feature.
Source: Bloomberg News.
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