Reversal of Apple ban a ‘setback for Samsung’

The US decision to overturn an import ban on Apple’s older iPhones and iPads may help short-term sales and hobble Samsung Electronics in any settlement talks in the companies’ patent fight.

President Barack Obama’s administration, in issuing the reprieve to Apple on Saturday, lets the firm continue selling the iPhone 4, which is priced lower than newer models, said Brian Marshall, an analyst at ISI Group.

Less expensive smartphones are selling more quickly than higher-priced models, he said.