China Tightens Grip on Tech Market with iPhone Restrictions

• China Restricts iPhones for Tech Independence.
• Boosting Local Tech: China Promotes Local Brands.
• Apple Dips Amid China’s Tech Control: Shares Drop.

Chinese agencies and state-backed companies have recently issued directives instructing their staff to refrain from bringing Apple iPhones and other foreign devices to work, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This marks an escalation in China’s longstanding efforts, spanning over a decade, to bolster the use of domestic technologies and reduce dependence on foreign counterparts.

The restrictions have reportedly been implemented across various government departments and state-affiliated firms in at least eight provinces. Employees have been directed to switch to local brands, reflecting China’s broader strategy of promoting homegrown software and advancing domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing.

A report highlighted that in December, smaller firms and agencies in lower-tier cities, including provinces such as Zhejiang, Shandong, Liaoning, and the central Hebei region, where the world’s largest iPhone factory is located, issued verbal directives of their own. This indicates a widespread initiative to encourage the adoption of Chinese-made devices.

This recent development follows a previous Reuters report from September, revealing that staff in at least three ministries and government bodies were instructed not to use iPhones at work. Apple, when approached for comment on the latest restrictions, did not immediately respond.

The move to restrict the use of foreign devices aligns with China’s overarching goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency and strengthening its position in the global tech market. As Chinese authorities continue to assert control over the tech sector, these measures are likely to impact the market dynamics and further shape China’s influence in the global technology landscape. Apple’s shares experienced a marginal decline in extended trading in response to the news, reaching $196.50.

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