Apple removes WhatsApp, Threads from China app store due to national security concerns

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Apple has taken down WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China after a directive from the country’s internet regulator over national security worries.

An Apple spokesperson told CNN on Friday that they are committed to obeying the laws in the countries where they do business, even if they may not agree with them. The Cyberspace Administration of China requested the removal of certain apps from the China storefront due to national security reasons. However, these apps are still accessible for download on other storefronts where they are available.

These apps, which are owned by Meta (META), were already restricted in China and were not popularly used.

Apple's decision to remove these apps has created a greater divide between tech worlds, according to Duncan Clark, who chairs Beijing's investment advisory BDA China.

Clark mentioned that this move will create challenges for consumers and businesses in China who communicate with contacts abroad. Even if they resort to VPNs to use WhatsApp, these workarounds will eventually become outdated and need to be replaced.

VPNs are virtual private networks that encrypt internet traffic and hide the user's online identity. They are often used in China to bypass restrictions and access blocked content within the country.

According to a CNN investigation, popular Western social media apps such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger can still be found on Apple's China app store.

Apple's announcement comes at a time when iPhone sales have been dropping in China. According to IDC, smartphone sales fell by 10% in the first quarter of this year.

The company's momentum in China has been declining due to factors such as nationalism, a challenging economy, and stronger competition in the market.

IDC predicts that Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO/OnePlus will continue to grow in popularity among Chinese consumers, leading to a resurgence of these Chinese brands. Many consumers who previously favored Apple are now showing interest in their own country's national brands.

Despite facing tough competition from local brands, China still holds significance for Apple as it is the second-largest market after the United States. To maintain its presence and increase sales, Apple has been offering discounts to attract customers in China.

Its CEO Tim Cook visited Shanghai just last month to open the second biggest Apple store in the world.

— Hassan Tayir contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The removal of WhatsApp and Threads from Apple's app store in China is a significant development, reflecting the ongoing tension between global tech companies and national security concerns. While Apple has complied with the directive, it highlights the challenges faced by foreign businesses operating in China. The move further divides the tech worlds, creating obstacles for communication and business operations.

Furthermore, Apple's declining sales in China underscore the growing strength of domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. This shift in consumer preference is driven by factors such as nationalism and a challenging economy. Despite the competition, China remains a crucial market for Apple, and it will be interesting to see how the company adjusts its strategy to regain momentum in the face of intensifying competition from local players.