Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China, following orders from the country’s internet watchdog due to national security concerns.
“We have to follow the laws in the countries we work in, even if we don’t agree,” said an Apple spokesperson. “China’s Cyberspace Administration ordered their removal from the China store. They can still be downloaded from other stores.”
While both apps were already blocked in China and not widely used, their removal by Apple creates more separation between tech worlds, causing inconvenience to those communicating internationally.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) are often used in China to access blocked content, but even these might become obsolete over time.
Popular Western social media apps like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger are still available on Apple’s China store.
Apple’s iPhone sales in China have been declining due to various factors, including increased competition from Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO/OnePlus.
Despite these challenges, China remains an important market for Apple, and the company continues to offer discounts to boost sales. CEO Tim Cook recently visited Shanghai to open the second largest Apple store in the world.
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