China’s Ban on Apple’s iPhone Grows as More Agencies and Companies Join

China’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technologies have accelerated as multiple Chinese agencies and state-backed companies are reportedly urging their employees to avoid using Apple iPhones and other foreign devices at work. This development comes as part of China’s longstanding initiative to promote domestic technologies and reduce dependence on foreign products.

For more than a decade, China has been actively working to decrease its dependence on foreign technology, encouraging state-affiliated entities, including banks, to transition to domestic software and supporting the growth of the domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing industry.

According to Bloomberg News, various state-owned companies and government departments in at least eight provinces have recently issued directives instructing their staff to use locally-manufactured brands instead of foreign devices.

The report also mentions that smaller companies and agencies in lower-tier cities within provinces such as Zhejiang, Shandong, Liaoning, and central Hebei (home to the world’s largest iPhone factory) have issued verbal directives of their own in December.

Apple has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for a comment on this matter.

As previously reported in September, employees in at least three ministries and government bodies were advised not to use iPhones while at work.

Following this news, Apple’s shares experienced a marginal decline, reaching $196.50 in extended trading.

This revised version optimizes the content for SEO while providing a comprehensive overview of China’s increasing efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, particularly iPhones and foreign devices.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com