 In mid @-@ July 2012 , Samsung removed the universal search feature on Sprint and AT & T S III phones with over @-@ the @-@ air ( OTA ) software updates to disable the local search function as a " precautionary measure " prior to its patent court trial with Apple , which began on 30 July 2012 . Although Apple won the trial , the S III experienced a sales spike because of the public 's belief that the phone would be banned . On 31 August 2012 , Apple asked the same federal court to add the S III into its existing complaint , believing the device has violated its patents . Samsung countered with the statement : " Apple continues to resort to litigation over market competition in an effort to limit consumer choice . " 
