In recent developments, Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese app store following an order from the Chinese government due to national security concerns. This is not the first time Western platforms have been censored in China, with Gmail, YouTube, Snapchat, and Spotify also being blocked in the past. While some users may still access these platforms through virtual private networks, the removal from the app store could prevent this.
Apple has stated that they are obligated to follow the laws of the countries where they operate, even if they disagree with them. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has been blocked in China since 2009. The government’s order to Apple comes at a time when US policymakers are debating a potential ban on TikTok, another popular Chinese app, due to concerns about data harvesting and political influence.
During a visit to China last month to open a new store in Shanghai and meet with top policymakers, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that China is an important market for Apple both in terms of manufacturing and consumers. Additionally, Chinese chipmakers are planning to create chip production lines to supply processors to local smartphone manufacturers which could impact Apple’s business in the country. Despite these challenges, Apple remains committed to operating in China and continuing to innovate within the market.