It's not often that Apple responds to criticism. Even in cases like its disastrous AI news alerts, it preferred to quickly and quietly roll out an update. But the Cupertino tech giant has come out with a public statement in response to fears about the safety of Apple Watch bands triggered by a scathing report and a class action lawsuit.

Apple’s “Ocean,” “Nike Sport,” and regular “Sport” Watch bands contain high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the study reveals

A new lawsuit accuses Apple of using toxic chemicals in its Watch bands, claiming that the “Ocean,” “Nike Sport,” and “Sport” bands contain PFAS, substances known for causing serious health issues like cancer.