The iPhone has encountered an unexpected problem in China, which wants to ban its use in government agencies and companies

Apple is facing a major challenge in one of its key markets. Reportedly Wall Street Magazine, China wants to ban the use of the iPhone – and any other foreign-brand mobile phones – by officials in its key government departments.. A case similar to what happened recently in Russia.

With this plan, the Asian giant’s authorities will seek to streamline their cybersecurity systems and at the same time deepen their initiative to reduce reliance on technologies developed outside the country. But the strategy will be even more ambitious.

In accordance with bloomberg, China intends to extend iPhone blockade to companies and other entities controlled by Xi Jinping’s government. However, the details of the implementation of this veto are still not entirely clear. It is noted that the authorities have not yet issued an official written ban, and some officials were only informed of the decision through chats.

In some cases, the Chinese ban on the iPhone will affect its use as a work device. However, those who use it as a personal mobile phone would also be asked leave home during work hours. In any case, the aforementioned media claim that the application of the measure will be as strict as determined by each affected department, company or organization.

Apple and the possible consequences of the Chinese iPhone ban

What does seem to be a fact is that China’s iPhone ban won’t be a blow specifically directed at Apple. but to the United States. Beijing and Washington have been in tension for years, fueled by a trade war. Thus, an attack on the smartphone of Cupertino residents would be a response to the events of recent years. The most important of these is Huawei’s veto and, more recently, NVIDIA and AMD’s restrictions on exporting their AI chips to the Asian giant.

Blocking the use of iPhone in agencies, companies and organizations controlled by the Chinese government could make Apple the scapegoat in a political dispute. The authorities of the Asian giant know better than anyone that the production of Cupertino products is almost exclusively dependent on them.

But not only that. China is one of the main markets for Apple, where the iPhone has become the best-selling mobile phone in its segment. premium. In addition, the company’s revenue in the Greater China region they tripled between fiscal years 2012 and 2022, they rose from $23.8 billion to $74.2 billion, respectively.

It is true that the relationship built with the Asian giant has played a key role in making Apple the most valuable company in the world today. In fact, Tim Cook was a key player in building supply chains and product lines for the iPhone and other Apple products in the country during his tenure as chief of operations under Steve Jobs.

Future

If China moves forward and bans the use of the iPhone in its government agencies and companies, Cupertino may consider it a decisive argument for accelerating their plans to transfer the production of their devices to other countries.. Something you’ve already started doing, but it’s still part of a very long term strategy.

As for the possible consequences of the ban on sales of mobile devices, it is difficult to predict how the Chinese market will react today. When government and military personnel were banned from using Tesla cars, many predicted a collapse in the company’s sales in China. However, this did not happen.

This does not mean that the iPhone ban in China will not have any impact on its commercial effectiveness. It may even serve as a boost for local manufacturers such as Huawei and Xiaomi. gain market share and put pressure on Apple. But we will have to wait a while before we see if this can actually happen.