China alone It works as a “separate” world and practically self-sufficient. They have achieved this, for example, with their latest operating system and are trying to do so achieve with its own processor manufacturing. These tensions between China and the United States (and therefore the rest of the Western world) have been going on for years and are becoming increasingly more acute.
In China, VPNs cannot be downloaded from the App Storerestrictions have been placed on the use of OpenAI and, therefore, ChatGPT. Added to this is the recent “disappearance” of WhatsApp and Threads, both companies from Meta (Facebook). We have known for some time that any US company that wants to operate and do business in China has a difficult time.
Apple enjoys special treatment in China in exchange for complying with all regulations
In China it is It is impossible to find a smartphone with Google services. You can’t use YouTube, Google Maps, the search engine itself… However, Apple can distribute the iPhone 15 without any problem, and the same will be true for the upcoming iPhone 16. In fact, Apple Vision Pro arrived in China before Europe. Apple is aware of the importance of this market and, therefore, does not hesitate to apply the necessary rules. A curious case is how they have parallel iCloud servers exclusively for users in China.
This has also been applied to Apple Intelligence, which is also paralyzed in Europe and China pending to welcome local legislation. In the case of Europe, they are working on it, according to statements from Tim Cook himself. For China, the work will be somewhat longer, since they will not only have to approve Apple Intelligence there, but also find a replacement partner for ChatGPT and its integration with Siri.
By direct order from Beijing: WhatsApp and Threads out of the App Store
Apple made the decision to remove WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store a few months ago to comply with China’s internet regulatory order. Apple tried to hold out against the blockade but eventually had to give in, as reported by The New York TimesFor China, these two applications could pose a risk to national security, as it is not known whether Meta (formerly Facebook and owner of both apps) has “back doors” with the FBI and the US government.
As if spy apps In any case, China has asked for these apps to be removed and Apple has complied with the law. If, for example, you are going to travel to China, you will be able to use these applications without any problem through a VPN.. To do this, it is advisable to have everything configured before entering the country.
Regarding Chinese citizens, the applications had been downloaded more than 15 million timesAnd although this may seem like a large number, it must be taken into account that 1.4 billion people live in China, who generally use WeChat to communicate with each other, as well as other social networks such as Weibo (the Chinese Twitter).
We have seen similar cases, but in the field of the United States against Russia, for example, prohibiting the use of a famous antivirus and cyber protection company based in Moscow. Without a doubt, the current technological/political landscape is increasingly complicated. And for Meta, having lost those millions of users is, to a greater or lesser extent, a problem. Although, for the moment, They continue to collaborate indirectly with China through advertising for stores such as Temu or Sheinwhich we can see ourselves on Instagram or Facebook.
Although Apple obeys everything that is imposed from China, it is true that they are increasingly looking to “leave the country” by implementing manufacturing plants outside of there. Although The bulk of its production is still in ChinaAt least they would begin to have a Plan B if tensions ever reach such a point where no type of American technology can be manufactured in China.