Earlier this week, Microsoft mandated that all its China-based employees switch to iPhones for work purposes, citing Android cybersecurity concerns.
This new policy, effective in September, has generated considerable online backlash, particularly among Chinese social media users who favor local Android brands.
The absence of Google services in China, a consequence of Google's 2010 exit due to censorship disputes, forces companies like Microsoft to adapt their strategies significantly.
The Microsoft logo is seen at its local headquarters in Beijing on July 20, 2021, the day after the US accused Beijing of carrying out cyber attack on Microsoft and charged four Chinese nationals over "malicious" hack in March. Photo by NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images
Why Microsoft Bar China Employees From Using Android
The US tech giant's decision is part of a broader global cybersecurity initiative aimed at protecting against hackers. Microsoft has required employees to verify their identities using the Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass apps, South China Morning Post reports.
These apps are essential for secure login processes but are only available on Apple's App Store and Google Play. Due to the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) in China, Microsoft has opted to provide iPhones to its employees to ensure these apps can be accessed without issues.
Employees currently using Android devices will be given an iPhone 15. This one-time provision aims to facilitate a seamless transition and ensure that all staff can access the necessary security tools.
The devices will be available for collection at various hubs across China, including Hong Kong, where Google's services are accessible.
Microsoft Face Local Backlash Over iPhone-only Mandate
SCMP reports that the iPhone-only mandate has sparked a backlash among Chinese social media users, with over 27,000 comments on a Weibo post about the new rule.
Many users expressed frustration, suggesting that Microsoft should consider alternatives like Huawei's HarmonyOS.
At the same time, this mandate comes amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and China. In recent years, more Chinese government-backed firms and agencies have restricted the use of foreign devices at work, citing security concerns.
In April, iPhone sales dropped by 19.1%, while Huawei's sales soared by an impressive 69.7% due to the launch of recent premium smartphone models.
Secure Future Initiative
Bloomberg tells us that Microsoft's new iPhone-only policy is a component of its broader Secure Future Initiative (SFI), launched in November.
This initiative represents the company's most extensive security overhaul in two decades, aimed at addressing cloud vulnerabilities, enhancing credential security, and enforcing multifactor authentication for employees.
The move follows repeated cyberattacks, including a significant breach linked to Russian state-sponsored hackers, which affected dozens of US government agencies.
To further mitigate risks and respond to geopolitical pressures, Microsoft has offered to relocate 700 to 800 employees working on artificial intelligence (AI) from China to other markets.
