Back in May, Chinese government announced the ban of Microsoft’s Windows 8 OS in government computers. As per reports, the ban was due to the notice on the use of energy-saving products. The official Xinhua news claimed that it was due to security concerns. Following the ban, Microsoft continued to supply Windows 7 based PCs and was working with officials to resolve the concerns about Windows 8.
Today, Bloomberg reported that Chinese government has now banned 10 Apple products which includes the iPad, iPad Mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These products were omitted from a final government procurement list distributed in July. According to government officials familiar with the matter, the ban was due to security concerns.
“When the government stops the procurement of products, it sends a signal to corporates and semi-government bodies,” said Mark Po, an analyst with UOB Kay Hian Ltd. in Hong Kong. “The Chinese government wants to make sure that overseas companies shouldn’t have too much influence in China.”
While Microsoft’s business revenues does not depend much on China, Apple must be more concerned about this ban. About 16 percent of Apple’s $37.4 billion in revenue last quarter was from China. Apple is yet to comment on this ban by Chinese government.
Source: Bloomberg