China has widened its prohibition on the use of iPhones and other foreign-manufactured devices, now targeting additional government entities. This move, deemed unprecedented, aims to limit the presence of Apple and Samsung phones in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets, according to reports from Bloomberg.
Under this extended ban, employees within these government bodies are now explicitly barred from bringing iPhones to their workplaces or utilizing them for professional purposes. Bloomberg has highlighted that government-affiliated companies and agencies in at least 8 provinces have recently mandated their employees to initiate the replacement of iPhones with locally produced alternatives.
For more than a decade, the Chinese government has been advocating for local companies across various sectors to substitute foreign-made technological products with those manufactured domestically. This encompasses software, smartphones, smart devices, and silicon chips.
Recent reports from Bloomberg indicate that several small enterprises in diverse Chinese provinces issued verbal directives to their workforce in December, instructing them to transition away from iPhones. This includes companies situated in Hubei, a central province hosting one of the world’s largest iPhone manufacturing facilities.
Earlier confirmations indicated that at least three government ministries and agencies had imposed bans on the usage of iPhones during official working hours.
This expanded restriction on iPhone usage in China signifies Beijing’s latest endeavor to fortify support for local products, augment sales for domestic tech companies, and progress strategies across various segments of the technology market.
In a notable development, Chinese company Huawei has dealt a substantial blow to Apple’s latest iPhone, the iPhone 15, by unveiling its Mate 60 Pro and Mate 60 Pro Plus. These devices feature the revolutionary Kirin 9000s processor, triggering displeasure from Washington due to the advanced technologies provided to Chinese users, surpassing the restrictions the United States believed it had imposed on China’s chip industry.
The Mate 60 Pro phones have substantially increased Huawei’s sales, registering an 83% surge in October. This success is attributed to their advanced performance, the innovative processor, and the artificial intelligence features embedded in the latest version of the HarmonyOS operating system. Additionally, the intensive media campaigns orchestrated by Beijing have contributed to reinforcing the “Made in China” concept.
According to a prior Bloomberg report, the iPhone 15 experienced a 6% decline in China during the month of October.
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