Telegram China Removal: CEO Argues Apple is the Real ‘Target’ in App Crackdown

Last week, a massive Chinese crackdown led to Telegram, Signal Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp being removed from China's version of the Apple App Store, and Telegram's CEO believes it is not about them. This led Telegram CEO Pavel Durov to share his two cents about it on his Telegram channel, claiming that Apple is the real 'target' of the Chinese authorities.

Durov's response highlights the Chinese crackdown issue, which points to a renowned root, the Android vs. iOS rivalry, which he regarded as the reason behind this.

Telegram China Removal: CEO Argues Apple is The Real 'Target'

Pavel Durov shared on his Telegram Channel (via 9to5Mac) that it was not them and the other instant messaging and social media apps that were China's problem, with Apple being the real "target" of this recent crackdown. This follows the Chinese government's request to Apple , which asked them to remove Telegram, Signal, and Meta's WhatsApp and Threads.

Last week, China forced Apple to remove apps such as Telegram from its Chinese App Store. We haven't seen any decrease in downloads coming from China - and I don't think Telegram was the main target of this change.

Pavel Durov, Telegram CEO

However, it is known that these apps are not exactly available in the country, and Chinese users need to use VPNs to connect to said services as most Western or global apps are not allowed there.

Chinese Apple App Store Crackdown is Android vs. iOS?

According to Durov, the main reason behind the crackdown is an attack on Apple, particularly the Android vs. iOS rivalry that has been known to the world for decades.

"It was a move against Apple itself: the Chinese authorities are forcing more of their citizens to switch from iPhones to Android smartphones produced by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi," said Durov.

Apple and China's Relationship

March 2024 saw a significant turn of events for Apple in its Chinese region operations, particularly as iPhone sales in the East Asian country dived by as much as 24 percent. This was because of the strong presence of a Chinese rival, best known for being one of Apple's rivals back when it could still access American technology, Huawei, which was going strong in the country.

Despite this, Apple CEO Tim Cook pushed through with his visit to China alongside the opening of a new Apple Store in Shanghai, with the executive doing more than seeing the country and his company's new retail store. This was because Cook pledged massive business with the country, increasing its investments in China, particularly as China is still part of Apple's supply chain.

Before March closed, there was another drop in iPhone sales and shipments in China, with the company's revenue in the country also seeing a decline, favoring more of its Chinese rivals.

However, the recent request by China for Apple is to remove instant messaging and social media apps, something which it is known to do, but the Telegram boss believes it is an attack on Apple, and they only got caught in the midst of it all.