iOS Update Offers New Force Closing App Animation to Counter Qualcomm Patent Claims in China [u]

Apple has changed its iOS app closing animation in China in a bid to remove features that allegedly infringe on Qualcomm patents.

Apple quickly rolled out iOS 12.1.2 earlier this week, providing a fix for eSIM activation issues previously reported on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and XS Max as well as a patch for cellular connectivity issues that were reportedly effecting those handsets in Turkey. The update was also released as part of an effort to address the Qualcomm patent violation claims in China that led to an injunction for its devices on the local market.

As part of this effort, the new iOS update slightly changes the animation for when an app is forced to close.

According to Apple’s official changelog in that country, the newest update:

  • Fixes bugs with eSIM activation for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max 
  • Addresses an issue that could affect cellular connectivity in Turkey for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max 
  • Introduces a new animation when force closing apps
  • Updates share sheet for setting contact and wallpaper images

A new report from MacRumors details the animation’s change away from an app sliding off the top of the screen when closed. Now, in a minor change that the large majority of users probably won’t notice, an app shrinks and disappears in the middle of the screen when closed.

YouTube video

At this point, it’s not clear whether iOS users worldwide will also see the new animations arrive, or whether China will have the new animation exclusively. The original animation does make more sense given the gesture, but Apple may have no choice if Qualcomm extends its legal action against it in other markets as well.


Apple Modifies iOS for German Users to Counter Qualcomm

According to the Financial Times, Apple similarly changed iOS for users in the country to counter Qualcomm patents:

Apple issued its software update to German iPhone models earlier this year. The change affects how users search their contacts book from the iPhone’s home screen, using a feature called Spotlight.

Earlier this month, a Chinese court ruled that Apple had infringed on two of Qualcomm’s software patents, and ordered an immediate halt on sales of all iPhone models from the 6S to the X. Apple has filed an appeal against the decision, and carried out the aforementioned software update “to address any possible concern about our compliance with the order.”

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