China's iPhone Crackdown Worsens as Western Smartphone Ban in State Firms, Government Departments Expand

China's iPhone crackdown is worsening as sources claim that more and more Chinese government departments and state firms are now restricting the use of Western smartphones.

(Photo : Getty Images)
A women wears a mask while uses iPhone pass the crossroads on May 11, 2020 in Wuhan, China. The government has begun lifting outbound travel restrictions after almost 11 weeks of lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19.

If this is true, then the ongoing Chinese iPhone crackdown is a major issue for Apple. Unnamed sources claimed numerous state firms and government departments in at least eight provinces are banning their staff from bringing their iPhones and other Western-made smartphones.

Although China hasn't officially confirmed that it has a major ban against iPhones and other Western smartphones, many sources in China claim that it is really happening.

China's iPhone Crackdown Worsens

According to Business Insider's latest report, some sources in China claim the latest iPhone crackdown in government departments and state firms is a part of China's ongoing campaign against Apple.

They revealed this iPhone crackdown ramp-up after China reportedly banned some central government workers from using their iPhones at work in September.

Now, even employees of smaller agencies and firms in provincial cities are allegedly ordered to avoid bringing or using their iPhones and other Western smartphones at work.

The latest crackdown ramp-up against Apple's smartphones is a heavy blow against the iPhone maker, especially since the American tech firm is struggling when it comes to iPhone 15 sales.

Aside from this, Apple is also having issues because of strong local competition in the Chinese market because of Huawei and its popular Mate 60, which was launched weeks before the arrival of the iPhone 15.

Unlike the previous model, Huawei's Mate 60 Pro was able to reach nearly 1.5 million unit sales during its first month. Another issue that Apple faces is the worsening geopolitical issues between the United States and China.

China Denying iPhone Crackdown

(Photo : GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)
People walk past an Apple store in Beijing on December 11, 2018. - Apple stores in China continued with business as usual on December 11, despite a Chinese court-ordered ban on iPhone sales that could hurt the US tech firm in one of its most crucial markets.

In September, China's Foreign Ministry denied accusations claiming that it has an iPhone crackdown against Apple.

"China did not issue any law, regulation or policy document that bans the purchase and use of cellphones of foreign brands, such as iPhone," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning via Nikkei Asia.

She said this when the media asked her about the alleged iPhone restrictions among government agency employees.

But, she didn't only deny the accusations. Mao Ning also seemingly attacked the media, saying that she hadn't notice any questions regarding the security issues posed by Apple's devices.

"Recently we did notice media reports about security issues related to [the] iPhone," she explained.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to cyber and information security and treats Chinese and foreign companies as equals," added Ning.

As of writing, China still hasn't confirmed if they really do have a major crackdown against iPhones and other Western smartphones. But, there's a high chance this is the case as its issues with the U.S. worsen.