China has denied that it issued a ban on government officials from using iPhones and other foreign-brand devices. Earlier, the US media outlet Wall Street Journal reported that the Chinese government might have restricted officials from using Apple devices at work, but now, the Chinese foreign ministry has refuted the report.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Western media reports that the government officials were told to quit iPhones and switch to domestic devices were unfounded.
“China has not issued laws, regulations or policy documents that prohibit the purchase and use of foreign brand phones such as Apple’s,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning announced at a regular media briefing.
The ban report came just before the launch of the iPhone 15 to ominous effects. After two days of the news, Apple lost $200 billion worrying its investors. Speculations were made that the decision was a counter against the US’s own attempt at curbing Chinese technologies.
However, while speaking at the media briefing, the spokeswoman shared that iPhone usage was not restricted but noted that many media outlets uncovered security loopholes in iPhone use.
“But recently, we did notice a lot of media exposure of security incidents related to Apple’s phones. The Chinese government attaches great importance to information and cybersecurity and treats both domestic and foreign companies as equals,” she stated.
Mao then maintained that all mobile companies in China must adhere to the applicable laws of the country.
Tension is there!
Despite China denying any iPhone ban, there does exist tension between the two giant countries. The US has remained unfavorable to Chinese digital platforms such as TikTok and other Chinese apps and technologies. For eg, Huawei, a Chinese company has lost access to Google services after the US disallowed US firms to provide its technology to the Chinese tech giant in 2019. Since then, Huawei has brought its own HarmonyOS for its smartphones.
Also read: Apple strictly warns users not to sleep alongside their iPhones while they are charging
China remains extremely vital for Apple
China is a prominent market for Apple. In 2022, the country represented a fifth of the company’s total revenue. It also makes the majority of iPhones in Chinese factories.
Only in recent years, Apple has tried to diversify its manufacturing bases away from China and is seeing India as an option. Recently, the US company opened its first-ever Apple stores in Delhi, and Mumbai to huge reception in the country. The company has grown its manufacturing activities in India and the iPhone 15 production has also begun. Also, India-made iPhones will go on sale from the first day of global sale debut along with those from China. The Northern neighbor may be irked by these developments as it has an intensifying conflict with India for manufacturing prowess.
However, despite the US phone maker making some moves in India, China still remains a key market for the world’s largest smartphone OEM.
Many analysts thought that China banned the iPhones for its government employees to encourage a switch to using Huawei’s latest flagship Mate 60 pro smartphone. Many saw this as an opportunity for China to look toward domestic products instead of relying on foreign technology and devices. But it seems the ban reports didn’t have bases.
For now, we have a BREAKING NEWS! Apple has launched its next-gen iPhone 15 lineups with USB cables and a host of improved specs. Keep reading Nepalitelecom.com for all the latest on tech, telecom, and the latest gadget reviews.
