Apple Seeking to Build China-Based iPhone Supply Chain Exclusively for Chinese Market

[kesennnnn]

Not surprised that they are moving to separate the Chinese market in the same way they chose a different provider for China’s iCloud storage.

 

[Aoligei]

Not surprised that they are moving to separate the Chinese market in the same way they chose a different provider for China’s iCloud storage.

The iCloud storage is based on Chinese law. Chinese law mandate all cloud storage provider operating inside China must store information within China.

However, there is no such law in China mandating company creating Chinese specific product.

Although it might make sense, because Apple is slipping in market share in China. This move would definitely help Apple hold on or even increase its market share in China

 

[RogerWilco]

The iCloud storage is based on Chinese law. Chinese law mandate all cloud storage provider operating inside China must store information within China.

However, there is no such law in China mandating company creating Chinese specific product.

Although it might make sense, because Apple is slipping in market share in China. This move would definitely help Apple hold on or even increase its market share in China

This makes sense and Apple can add whatever hardware/firmware the CCP dictates, even Huawei 5G modem chips.

 

[iDron]

Hong Kong is already considered to be part of China due to the recent implementation of regulations by the Chinese government. The Chinese market now includes Hong Kong, in a literal sense.

You do realize though that iPhone models in HK are to this point different? They have different bands. There are even mobile networks that do NOT use Huawei but Ericsson (Smartone).

 

[nicho]

You do realize though that iPhone models in HK are to this point different? They have different bands. There are even mobile networks that do NOT use Huawei but Ericsson (Smartone).

That was true. It no longer is. you might want to take another look at the iPhone 11 and 11 Pros... HK shares models with mainland China now.

 

[Aoligei]

This makes sense and Apple can add whatever hardware/firmware the CCP dictates, even Huawei 5G modem chips.

Well, if there is a law comes from CCP dictates cellphone companies use Huawei modem chip, then Apple gonna have to do it. Otherwise, they can leave.

Not that CCP would do it, but there is a possibility

 

[BiscottiGelato]

This is essentially Tesla's playbook. Chinese plant for Chinese market. Rest of the World plant for rest of the world. Reduces geopolitical risk.

 

[ian87w]

You do realize though that iPhone models in HK are to this point different? They have different bands. There are even mobile networks that do NOT use Huawei but Ericsson (Smartone).

And? Those are things that happened prior to the recent regulatory move done by the Chinese government. Now, even the US will treat Hong Kong the same as China. That means businesses will do the same. Obviously the transition won't happen overnight, but it will happen.

 

[iDron]

That was true. It no longer is. you might want to take another look at the iPhone 11 and 11 Pros... HK shares models with mainland China now.

Oh you are right, I didn't know this just changed for the 11... For the iPads it seems there are two model numbers, but sold in all markets? For the Apple Watch it seems there are now two models, North/South America and rest of the world. There always used to be three, one China, one America, one for the rest.

 

[quietstormSD]

Makes sense to build in and for the market you are selling too. More regions should get on board with this, I would love to see EU bound devices being built in the EU and not from untrusted sources.

Only problem is that you may be paying 10,000 Euro for an iPhone then. 😉