China’s iPhone Ban Spreads: New Provinces Added, Impacting Millions

China Widens iPhone Ban to More Provinces

China’s central government has expanded its ban on iPhones, forbidding employees in multiple provinces from bringing the device into the office or using it for work-related tasks. This decision comes after the initial ban was limited to government workers in Beijing and Tianjin, and is now being described as “a major step-up” by Bloomberg.

According to reports, the Chinese government wants employees in central government agency offices to use smartphones made by manufacturers headquartered in China. This move comes just days after the launch of Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro, which features a homemade 5G Kirin chipset, marking the company’s return to the 5G market following U.S. sanctions.

China, the world’s largest smartphone market, offers a wide range of options from brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, and those controlled by BBK Electronics. These brands often provide phones with larger batteries and faster charging speeds compared to the current iPhone 15 series. Additionally, Chinese brands offer foldable phone options, which Apple does not currently have in its lineup.

In response to the ban, China previously denied issuing the initial ban on iPhones but raised concerns about security issues on Apple’s smartphones. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman’s press release, when translated, mentioned “security incidents concerning Apple phones,” sparking a dispute with the U.S.

The U.S. called the iPhone ban an “inappropriate retaliation,” highlighting the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. With the ban now extending to more provinces, the impact on Apple’s market share in China remains to be seen.

The ban reflects China’s efforts to promote domestic smartphone manufacturers and reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly in sensitive government agencies. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, the competitive landscape in China is expected to undergo significant changes, impacting both local and international smartphone brands.