Chinese authorities may not use this device at work. The iPhone sits at the center of workplace policies as Beijing signals that employees should avoid using it in offices. According to The Wall Street Journal, the device is the flagship product of Apple, the US tech leader, or other gear made by foreign brands.
The directive marks a new move in a long‑running plan by China to cut its foreign dependence, especially on technology that operates beyond its borders and strengthens cyber security. The move also comes amid renewed trade frictions with the United States. The policy echoes a tough stance from the Biden administration, which has backed curbs on exports and investments in key sectors, following actions against major Chinese tech players. Tiktok, owned by ByteDance, and firms like Huawei have faced new limits as the government shifts strategic control over critical technologies.
Yet the precise impact remains uncertain. Internal sources confirmed to Reuters that at least three ministry staff had been told not to use iPhones in the office, though no deadline was given. Other insiders said no official guidance had been issued, or that communication had yet to arrive. Those warned that problems could arise from using personal devices acknowledged the risk. Bloomberg reported that the ban could extend to state institutions and large state‑owned companies.
Apple bears the brunt of the shift
No firm is spared from this protectionist move. Apple, long intertwined with China as a critical hub for its devices, may be forced to adapt quickly. The company has relied on Chinese manufacturing for much of its product lineup since the early 2000s. Tim Cook described the relationship as symbiotic, a bond that benefited both sides but created meaningful dependencies. Apple employs hundreds of thousands of workers through suppliers like Foxconn, which handles much of the assembly for flagship models. China remains one of Apple’s largest markets, contributing a significant share of global revenue.
The policy shift nudged Apple shares lower, dipping about 3.6% on the news. The move arrives amid broader trade tensions that can unsettle investors and chill foreign tech investment. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has said that American firms operating in China face a difficult environment and a growing perception of unattractiveness as a destination for investment.
Two‑way pressure on strategy
While the full effect is hard to quantify, the partial iPhone ban could impact Apple’s operations within China. The country’s mobile market has long been dominant in Apple’s global strategy, and a major share of its devices are produced there. With Huawei facing sanctions in the United States, China’s push to regain ground has momentum. The tech sector is a focal point of this rivalry, shaping both the commercial and political landscape across markets.
Huawei and other Chinese brands may capitalize on any slowdown at Apple once a new wave of devices hits the market. A recent launch of a high‑end 5G model is expected to influence consumer perception of local alternatives. Analysts estimate potential shipments that Apple might lose in the coming year could reach several tens of millions, depending on policy developments and market reception.
Technological independence in focus
For years, China has pursued reduced reliance on foreign tech and bolstered domestic production. As early as 2020, some government agencies began restricting iPhone use among officials to address privacy concerns and facilitate internal investigations. Officials were urged to switch to national brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, or Oppo. Domestic firms like these have gained increasing influence in telecommunications and consumer electronics.
The policy drive intensified against the backdrop of a broader US‑China tech conflict, with Washington restricting semiconductor exports to China last year to slow development in key areas. Semiconductors are central to consumer devices, high‑performance computing, and advanced weapons systems. In response, Beijing has accelerated localization of IT infrastructure and set targets to reduce foreign dependence in the coming years, underscoring the strategic importance of technology for national strength and security.