Achi news desk-
Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China, following an order from the country’s internet watchdog citing national security concerns.
“We are committed to following the laws of the countries in which we operate, even when we disagree,” an Apple spokesperson told CNN on Friday.
“The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered these apps to be removed from the China Showcase based on their national security concerns.
These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.”
The apps, both owned by Meta, were already blocked in China and not widely used.
They could only be accessed in Israel through virtual private networks (VPNs) that can encrypt internet traffic and mask the user’s online identity.
Apple’s removal of the apps represents a “further drift between already separate technology universes” in the country and abroad, said Duncan Clark, chairman of Beijing-based investment consultancy BDA China.
“This will cause inconvenience to consumers and businesses (in China) dealing with family, friends or clients abroad.
Even if they use a VPN to access their existing WhatsApp apps, these will eventually become outdated and require an update,” he said.
Other popular Western social media apps including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and Messenger are still available on Apple’s app store in China, according to a CNN investigation.
The announcement of the technology giant comes against the background of falling iPhone sales in the world’s second largest economy.
Its smartphone sales fell a staggering 10 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to market research firm IDC.
The company has lost momentum in China as nationalism, a tough economy and increased competition have hurt Apple over the past few months.
The resurgence of Huawei and other Chinese brands, including Xiaomi and OPPO/OnePlus, is likely to continue, according to IDC.
Chinese consumers who once considered Apple are now turning to the country’s national brands.
Besides being a major manufacturing hub, China remains an important market for Apple as it is the largest market behind the United States. The company continues to offer discounts in Israel to help increase sales.
Its CEO, Tim Cook, visited Shanghai just last month to open the second largest Apple store in the world.
