Hundreds of Chinese iPhone 15 fans flocked to Apple stores to purchase the latest iOS handset.
The popularity of the iPhone 15 was seen in the Asian country despite China's rumored ban. Here's what experts say about this.
Chinese iPhone 15 Fans Flock Apple Stores Despite Rumored China Ban
A shopper takes photos of a pair of new iPhone 15 units outside an Apple store on September 22, 2023 in Hangzhou, China.
Recently, reports claim that China issued a major ban to restrict iPhones across governmental offices and state-run businesses. At first, many Apple employees and consumers were concerned about the alleged Chinese iPhone ban's negative effects.
But, despite the speculated major ban, Yahoo Finance reported that Apple's business in China is still successful as hundreds of Chinese buyers flock to Apple stores to have their most-awaited iPhone 15.
A 20-year-old Chinese resident said he lined up at an Apple flagship store in Beijing to trade in his older iOS smartphone and purchase the latest iPhone 15.
He is just among the Chinese consumers who sacrificed a day to buy the latest Apple smartphone. Aside from regular buyers, many iPhone scalpers were spotted in numerous Apple outlets. Some immediately tried to re-sell the iPhone 15 they purchased for a very expensive price.
These details show that Chinese consumers are willing to spend money on the newest iPhone models despite ban rumors. Experts said that the arrival of the iPhone 15 in China is a key test for Apple.
The giant gadget maker wants to see if refreshed features and specs still work in its largest market, China, which is estimated to be responsible for around a fifth of the overall Apple sales yearly.
Read Also: France Bans Sales of Apple's iPhone 12 Due to High Radiation Levels
Is China's iPhone Ban Real?
The Apple company logo hangs above an Apple retail store on November 28, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Apple is currently facing shortages in iPhone supplies due to COVID-19 restrictions in China and unrest at one of Apple's major Chinese suppliers.
After rumors spread, the Chinese government decided to state the alleged iPhone ban it imposed. CNN Business reported that China denies the accusations and hasn't implemented any laws or rules to restrict iPhone and other foreign smartphone brands.
"We have always been open to foreign companies and welcome them to seize the opportunities and share the fruits of China's economic development," said Mao Ning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.
However, speculations already impacted Apple's shares since its stock suffered its largest daily monthly loss. Because of this, the White House said they will watch the developments with concern.
John Kirby, the National Security Council's spokesman, said they don't have "perfect visibility" on what China is doing and why the Chinese government is doing such a thing.
"We certainly would call on them to be more transparent about what they're seeing and what they're doing," added Kirby.
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