Apple Removes WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Threads from App Store in China
Apple has removed several popular messaging and social media apps from its App Store in China at the request of the Chinese government. The apps include WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Threads.
In a statement, Apple said that China’s national internet regulator ordered the removal of the apps due to unspecified “national security concerns.” Apple emphasized its obligation to follow local laws in the countries where it operates.
These apps, owned by Meta, were already blocked in China and were not widely used. The removal by Apple further separates tech universes between China and the rest of the world, causing inconvenience to consumers and businesses dealing with overseas contacts.
While WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Threads have been removed from the China App Store, other popular Western social media apps like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger remain available.
This move by Apple comes amid declining iPhone sales in China, where the company faces increased competition from Chinese smartphone brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO/OnePlus.
Despite challenges, China remains an important market for Apple, and the company continues to offer discounts and invest in the region.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook recently visited Shanghai to open the second largest Apple store in the world.
