Apple launched three new phones and other devices in the previous month and all of them were hotly anticipated. Especially the iPhone, as it is one of the most sold consumer devices in the world, and now with a mini version also available, sales have skyrocketed. The number of apps has also increased on it but is a bit low when compared to Android. In terms of sheer number, according to Statista, Apple lags with 2.22 million apps as compared to 3.48 million apps on Google Play.
Off-late, Apple comes under fire for being too lenient for certain countries and very strict on the others. China has a big influence on Apple as most of the devices are manufactured in this country. While Apple has many other locations around the world, its dependency on China is known to everyone. And that's why it has come under fire as it has reportedly acted upon the order of the Chinese government several times.
Why is it an Issue for Apple Users?
Normally, it should have been the internal matter of a company whether it is going to block an app or not. But when this activity is on the pretext of the Chinese government several times, then the issues raised some eyebrows. Acting upon the Chinese government direction evident as describing.
Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that Apple took down many apps on the behest of the Chinese government. Certain topics are off-limits for any app to be discussed including Tiananmen Square, the Chinese spiritual movement Falun Gong and the Dalai Lama. So, you can imagine how many apps may have been banned by Apple as these are the most hotly debated topics amongst pro-Chinese and people who are against it.
Many harsh words are being spoken about Apple and this is turning out to be something that can be ballooned into a big issue in the coming few years. Benjamin Ismail, project director at Apple Censorship, said: “Currently Apple is being turned into the censorship bureau of Beijing. They need to do the right thing, and then face whatever the reaction is of the Chinese government.”
The Biggest Market for Apple’s Devices
Surely, Apple doesn't want to face the wrath of China. It happened with Nike several years ago and it is still reeling from that unfortunate episode. That is why Apple is playing safe and does not want to make the Chinese government angry. But in doing so, it is jeopardizing its reputation around the world. And things have already started going against it. Developers belonging to any mobile app development company also seem to think negatively about the tech giant as they look to assess the current situation. And whether to go for iOS rather than Android.
Read on as I discuss some important aspects in this concern
Some People are of the view that if Apple had acted upon the instructions of then-president Donald Trump and started production in the US, in four years it should have been able to produce many devices. And perhaps its dependence on China would have been lowered considerably. But nothing much happened. It may have been the strategy of Apple things then turned out as per the directives of President Trump. And still, in the future, the whistleblowers like Apple censorship do not see a bright future in this concern.
Apple Acting Not in the Favor of its Consumers
In October 2021, the Mac Observer reported that Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook and podcast service, was removed from the App Store in Mainland China. This is another move from the Chinese government, which was cited by Apple due to permit requirements, but surely it has something to do with the podcasts airing on the app which may be against the Chinese policies. And the recent removal of the Quran app, which is used by over 35 million users worldwide, is also another glaring example of how Chinese authorities are having a say in these matters.
The majority of consumers of Apple products in China may not be happy with its policies of listening to every Chinese directive without even thinking about its consequences. It may not be long before its consumer base starts to shrink as Google already offers around one and half million more apps than the App Store. The time's running out for the tech giant as its reputation is getting hammered with every such news.
Microsoft Shutting Down LinkedIn in China
This news may have been coming from Apple, but Microsoft did not pay heed to the Chinese Government and announced that it was setting its social network LinkedIn in China. Microsoft's representative told the media that it was becoming increasingly challenging for the company to comply with the Chinese state. And molding its social network according to their requirements. Microsoft was questioned by the media after the profiles of some journalists were reportedly blocked.
China already has networks like LinkedIn, its popularity of the global social networks as the biggest business hub for individuals and companies was soaring high around the world. It is being termed as the policy of the government to crack down on any such technology or website if its own companies’ performance looks to be undermined as a result.
Final Word
CEO of Apple, Tim Cook has been in the eye of the storm because of his role in all of the above-mentioned controversies. While he was quick to criticize President Trump for his travel ban mainly from Muslim countries, he didn't say a word about China on the conditions of Uyghur Muslims. Also, the issues related to Tibet and Taiwan have never been raised by Tim Cook, and that is why the company is facing rising criticism for its role. His stance may put the company in hot water, and already the share prices have dropped as production delays for iPhone 13 are anticipated. The worst fear of investors and consumers of Apple is turning into reality.
If you are looking to hire app developer to get an iOS app, ensure that you don't have any issues with any of the aspects that I have mentioned in this blog. And things can get ugly for Apple as it is trying to stay away from all the controversies, but controversies seem to be chasing them all the time.
What is your stance about the main topic of this blog, and do you agree with me? And do you think that Apple will pay a price for its current role and too much favoring China? If you think that you can add something valuable to this blog or want to ask a question, you are more than welcome.
For any feedback too, please use the comments section below.
