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.

A class action lawsuit filed against Apple this week in a California federal court accuses the company of false advertising and violating

Bands used for smart watches and fitness trackers contain a synthetic rubber made with PFAS — also known as “ forever chemicals ” — and researchers are warning that these may be absorbed into the skin.