Apple products that got banned in recent times

Apple recently got into trouble in Indonesia because it didn’t keep its promise to invest enough money in the country. They said they would spend around IDR 1.71 trillion ($109 million) on local research and development, but they only spent IDR 1.48 trillion ($95 million). Because of this, Indonesia’s government decided they won’t let people buy or use the new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10.

The Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, said that if anyone is using an iPhone 16 in Indonesia, it’s against the law now. He’s asking people to report any of these phones they see. But, tourists and airline workers can still use up to two iPhone 16 phones, as long as they aren’t selling them in Indonesia. This action shows how serious Indonesia is about wanting foreign companies like Apple to help grow their local economy by making things in Indonesia or doing more research there.

They call it the Domestic Component Level rule, which means companies must use at least 40% local stuff or services. However, the Indonesian ban is just one of many recent hurdles Apple has encountered globally. Here’s a detailed look at the significant bans impacting Apple.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 – U.S. patent dispute

Apple’s recent wearables, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, were caught in a legal battle in the United States. In October 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring technology infringed on patents held by medical device maker Masimo. This ruling forced Apple to halt sales of both models starting December 26, 2023.

Although the company temporarily resumed sales after a federal appeals court provided a brief pause, it later had to comply by disabling the blood oxygen feature. By January 18, 2024, Apple began offering versions of the watches without this function. As of now, the legal dispute between Apple and Masimo remains unresolved, but the modified watches are available for purchase without the infringing sensor. The Verge has a detailed account of all the developments that you can check out here.

China’s ban on iPhones for state employees

In China, Apple faces a different challenge. As part of the government’s push to reduce reliance on foreign technology, state agencies and government-backed firms have instructed employees not to bring iPhones or other foreign devices to work. This unofficial ban, which began expanding across multiple provinces in late 2023, reflects China’s broader ambition to promote domestic technology and reduce dependence on global tech giants like Apple.

With China being one of Apple’s largest markets, these restrictions have raised concerns about the company’s future in the region. Bloomberg reports that the ban is enforced across various government bodies, from smaller regional agencies to larger state enterprises, accelerating the country’s transition towards locally made devices.

South Korean military ban on iPhones and Apple Watches

In South Korea also, Apple products are facing restrictions, particularly within the military. Security concerns have prompted the military to ban the use of iPhones and Apple Watches in secure facilities, citing the potential risks of unauthorized recordings. Interestingly, Android devices like Samsung’s Galaxy phones remain unaffected by this ban, as they are compatible with the military’s security protocols. The restriction affects nearly half a million personnel and could expand further across military units if concerns about sensitive information leakage persist.

Apple Intelligence blocked in Europe and China

Apple’s troubles extend beyond hardware, with software restrictions now creating additional hurdles. The company’s new AI-powered feature, Apple Intelligence, has been blocked in both the European Union and China. In the EU, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has delayed the rollout of the feature, though users can still access it if they bring in iPhones purchased from outside the region.

In China, the restrictions are more severe. Government policies prohibit the use of Apple Intelligence entirely, even on devices purchased abroad. Apple has expressed its intention to make the feature available in these regions eventually, but no concrete timeline has been provided, leaving users uncertain about when they might gain access to this functionality. This is quite a big disaster given the fact that Apple Intelligence is the biggest upgrade being touted with newer iPhone models.

15W wireless chargers banned in China

In yet another blow to the Cupertino tech giant, China has banned the sale of MagSafe and Qi2 wireless chargers that support 15W charging. As of September 1, 2024, new regulations restrict wireless charging devices to specific frequency ranges to avoid interference with radio signals.

Apple’s MagSafe chargers, which operate at 360 kHz, fall outside the permitted frequency range. Although existing chargers can still be used, new sales are prohibited under the updated radio frequency rules. This ban also impacts other manufacturers using the Qi2 standard, not just Apple, but it highlights the increasing scrutiny that Apple products are facing in China.

Elon Musk’s “threat”

Adding to Apple’s challenges, Elon Musk recently threatened to ban Apple products from his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. Musk’s frustration stems from Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI to integrate AI technology into its products, which he believes could compromise privacy and security. Although it’s unclear whether Musk will follow through with this threat. In fact, there’s no more talk about the potential restriction of Apple products from Musk since the initial post by him.

Final thoughts

Apple’s been busy – changing products, turning off features, and even fighting in court. It’s clear, sailing in the tech world isn’t as easy as it used to be. With all these different rules and worries about security and patents, Apple’s got to be nimble, or they’ll lose ground. How they handle all this will be key to staying on top.

Featured image credits: Kanesue / Flickr