Apple and China’s Complicated Relationship

Apple has had a unique and complex relationship with China. While China’s ban on Google Play has given Apple’s App Store a competitive edge in the Chinese mobile gaming market, recent events have strained their relationship. The Chinese government banned the use of Apple devices for work purposes among government officials, and miHoYo and NetEase blocked Alipay payments on iOS devices. Additionally, the Cyberspace Administration of China identified 26 compliant app stores, but the App Store was not among them.

Apple’s New Requirement for Chinese App Store

Now, Apple seems to be taking steps to improve its relationship with China. The company has implemented a new requirement for apps to provide evidence that they have received a license from the Chinese government before being released on the App Store in the country. This aligns with China’s regulatory changes that require app developers to submit an internet content provider filing (ICP) before publishing their products.

The Impact on Foreign Apps

ICP filings are necessary for websites to operate in China, and most local app stores have required them since 2017. Historically, Apple’s ICP policy has been more lenient, contributing to its popularity in China. However, complying with these regulations could limit the availability of foreign apps in China and potentially decrease Apple’s market share if its app offerings fall in line with competitors.

Concerns from Chinese iPhone Users

Chinese iPhone users have expressed concerns that they may need to use foreign Apple accounts to access their favorite apps. It remains to be seen whether this move by Apple will improve its relationship with China.

iPhone 15’s Gaming Features

In other news, the iPhone 15 was recently released with a range of features designed specifically for gaming.