China Bans Gov’t Officials From Using Apple iPhones

According to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, China has issued a ban on officials working at central government agencies from using Apple iPhones and other foreign-branded devices during their work hours.

This directive was communicated to staff members in recent weeks, primarily through workplace chat groups or meetings. However, the extent of the ban’s implementation remains somewhat unclear at this point.

This decision to ban foreign-branded devices comes at a significant juncture, as reports indicate the imminent launch of a new line of iPhones. This development may raise concerns among foreign companies operating in China, especially as tensions between China and the United States continue to escalate.

For more than a decade, China has been actively working to reduce its dependence on foreign technologies. To this end, the government has encouraged state-affiliated entities, including banks, to transition to local software and support domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing.

In 2020, Beijing intensified its efforts in this regard by introducing a “dual circulation” growth model, aimed at reducing reliance on overseas markets and technology. These actions were driven, in part, by growing concerns over data security.

In May, China urged large state-owned enterprises to take a leading role in achieving self-reliance in technology, further emphasizing the importance of this objective in light of ongoing tensions with the United States.