iPhone ban from China
This order, which is the latest step in China’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology and increase cybersecurity, could have a deterrent effect on foreign brands in China, including Apple. Apple, which dominates the luxury smartphone market in the country, counts China as one of its largest markets and generates approximately 19% of its total revenue from China.
However, the scope of the decision is not fully clear. China has already been restricting officials in some institutions from using iPhones for work for years, but it is stated that this situation has now been expanded with the new decision. On the other hand, this move by China can also be considered as a retaliation. Because the USA imposes similar bans on Huawei and government officials using TikTok, which belongs to China.
Currently, the ties between both countries continue to be tense. As US export restrictions tighten, neither side seems to tolerate data leaks. China is encouraging its institutions and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology, including computers, operating systems and software, with domestic products they deem safe and controllable.