Hello everyone.

Today’s update will be dedicated to discussing the latest developments regarding China reportedly requiring more government employees not to use iPhones for work. Given how this story is still developing, we will follow up when appropriate.

Before we get to that discussion, one quick item:

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China Reportedly Extends iPhone Ban for Government Officials

In an article published yesterday, here’s Yoko Kubota for the WSJ:

“China ordered officials at central government agencies not to use Apple’s iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office, people familiar with the matter said.

In recent weeks, staff were given the instructions by their superiors in workplace chat groups or meetings, the people said. The directive is the latest step in Beijing’s campaign to cut reliance on foreign technology and enhance cybersecurity, and comes as China seeks to limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s borders.

The move by Beijing could have a chilling effect for foreign brands in China, including Apple. Apple dominates the high-end smartphone market in the country and counts China as one of its biggest markets, relying on it for about 19% of its overall revenue.

It wasn’t clear how widely the orders were being distributed, but similar messages were communicated to employees at some central government regulators…

Beijing has for years restricted government officials at some agencies from using iPhones for work, but the order has now been widened, the people said. The latest order also signals an intensified effort by Beijing to ensure its rules are strictly enforced.”

This article raised more questions than answers for me.

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