China

Apple expected to report selling more iPhones in China than in US

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 26, 2015

A report published Monday in The Financial Times newspaper suggests a tantalizing prospect for iPhone sales as Apple is expected to announce selling more handsets in China than in the United States when it reports fiscal 2015 first quarter earnings after the markets close tomorrow.

Headlined ‘China buying more iPhones than US,’ reporter Tim Bradshaw's article cites reputable analysts who estimate that the Cupertino firm has “reached the turning point in iPhone sales” following the iPhone 6's release in China and a landmark deal with China Mobile, the country’s largest network operator.

Apple bows to pressure, consents to security audits of iPhones, iPads and Macs sold in China

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 29, 2017

CEO Tim Cook has agreed to allow Chinese government officials to conduct security audits on Apple devices sold in China, IDG News Service reported yesterday.

The surprising development comes amid tensions that have erupted in the 1.33 billion people country, Apple's second largest market by revenue, over allegations that other governments are using Apple devices for surveillance and accusations of state-sponsored phishing attacks on Apple's iCloud users.

Watch English version of calligraphy video showing stunning Hangzhou store mural creation

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 22, 2015

Tuesday, Apple opened its first store in Hangzhou, the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in Eastern China. As part of launch festivities, the Cupertino company enlisted the creative talent of calligraphy artist Wang Dongling who hand-painted a stunning mural featuring an old poem.

Originally available as a QuickTime video through its retail website in China, an English version has just surfaced on Apple's YouTube channel for everyone to enjoy.

Apple uses famous calligrapher to tease new West Lake Apple Store in China

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple looks to be making time with its Chinese retail expansion, and as such has tapped famous calligrapher Wang Dongling to announce the grand opening of its first Apple Store in Hangzhou.

Chinese thieves tunnel their way into a Beijing warehouse, stealing 240 iPhones

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Nearly $230,000 worth of iPhones have disappeared through a 20-inch hole after a trio of daring thieves tunneled their way into a warehouse, Xinhua News Agency reported earlier in the month.

Three Chinese nationals were arrested on charges of stealing 240 iPhone 6 units, valued at 1.4 million yuan, or approximately $230,000. The suspects were arrested in late December after the police successfully tracked the phones’ serial numbers.

Apple retail chief Angela Ahrendts talks expansion in China

Jake Smith ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Apple is planning up for a big retail expansion in China, opening five new stores in the region in roughly five weeks time.

"We are opening five new stores before the Chinese New Year this year. Four of the stores are in brand new cities for us," Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of retail and online stores, told Xinhua in a telephone interview on Thursday.

Apple launching cellular iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 models in China this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple today announced that cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 will be available in China this week. Wi-Fi only models of the two tablets have been in the country since launch, but the cellular editions had to be approved by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The two new iPads will support TD-LTE and FDD-LTE standards, as well as TD-SCDMA, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+ and other network technology. Prices will begin at 4,488 (RMB) for the 16GB iPad Air 2, 3,788 (RMB) for the 16GB iPad mini 3, and top out at 5,888 (RMB) for the 128GB iPad Air 2.

Chinese phone maker claims Apple’s iPhone 6 is a ripoff

Jake Smith ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

Chinese phone maker Digione claims Apple's iPhone 6 infringes on a patent for its own smartphone under the 100+ brand, and plans to take Apple to court if things aren't resolved. In a letter sent to Apple in September, Digione says it wants to communicate further with Apple to prevent "potential legal risks for the sake of further understanding and communication."

Chinese authorities shut down WireLurker site, suspects arrested

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Chinese authorities arrested three individuals last Friday that are believed to have developed the "WireLurker" malware, according to a police post on Sina Weibo. The authorities were tipped off by Chinese security company Qihoo 360 technology. Additionally, the post says that authorities have also identified and shut down the website that was hosting and distributing the malware.

Apple adds UnionPay as a new payment option for App Store customers in China

Sébastien Page ∙ November 16, 2014

Apple announced Sunday night in a press release that the company has added UnionPay as a payment option for the App Store in China. Having issued over 4.5 billion UnionPay cards to date both in China and abroad, China UnionPay is the major bankcard network in the People's Republic. According to the press release, UnionPay customers will be able to easily link their Apple ID with a UnionPay debit or credit card for one-tap purchases.

Apple overtakes Samsung as China’s top mobile brand in awareness and loyalty

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 5, 2014

Zooming past its biggest rival Samsung, Apple has officially emerged as China's #1 mobile brand in both awareness and loyalty, according to the latest consumer survey conducted by the China Brand Research Center’s.

The research firm's 2014 China Brand Power Index polled a whopping 13,500 Chinese across 30 cities, aged 15 to 60, from August 2013 to January 2014.

According to CNET, Samsung's focus on market share rather than customer satisfaction and loyalty has contributed to its fall from the top spot it had previously held in China since 2012.

Tim Cook: bringing Apple Pay to China ‘is on the top of our list’

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 19, 2017

Repeating his favorite line that China, home to 1.33 billion people, is a key market to Apple, CEO Tim Cook said bringing Apple's revolutionary mobile payments system to the country “is on the top of the list”.

“China is a really key market for us,” Cook told state-run Xinhua news agency Friday. ”Everything we do, we are going to work it here. Apple Pay is on the top of the list.”

Cook and his teams at Apple were still “seeking to understand” the steps needed to make Apple Pay a reality for Chinese customers, the report added.