Apple-China relations continue to deteriorate with new app management regulations

Mainland iPhone users often download and access apps that are banned in China, such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X (Twitter), through a VPN. But the new rules require Apple and other distributors to remove these apps from their app stores.

Beijing says the policy is aimed at reducing fraud and the spread of fake news.

The new rule will result in tens of thousands of apps being removed from the App Store.

China is an important market for Apple, accounting for nearly 20% of the company's revenue. It is also the main production center of the world's largest technology company. However, the relationship between Apple and Beijing has recently deteriorated.

In early September 2023, the central government issued an order banning officials and state employees from bringing iPhones into the office or using them for work purposes.

In an official statement, China's Foreign Ministry said it was not banning the sale or use of Apple phones in the country.

Last week, authorities released a list of app stores that had complied with the new rules, which did not include the iPhone maker.

Under the new policy, app store operators and app developers must submit detailed information about their app business to China's internet regulator, and app stores will be held legally responsible if apps on their stores contain illegal content.

Apple has yet to publicly say how it will comply with the new rules, which are expected to result in the removal of tens of thousands of apps from the app store.

(According to CNBC)

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