Apple is helping the dictatorship in China with this new iPhone update | life & knowledge

In China’s metropolises ignite historic protests against the regime. The protesters shout: “Down with the Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping!”

The protesters have to do without a previously important means of communication. Because: Apple recently made a kowtow to the Chinese regime.

︎ With its latest iPhone update, the tech giant introduced a secret change intended to curb protests. This is reported, among others, by “Bloomberg” and the “Guardian”.

Specifically, it is about the file sharing function AirDrop. This technique allows files to be exchanged with other nearby Apple devices. The special feature: AirDrop works without the Internet, sending the data via a local network. This allowed demonstrators in authoritarian countries to circumvent censorship.

In China, for example, pictures of protests were sent to foreign subway passengers.

Earlier this month, however, AirDrop functionality on iPhones in China was severely restricted. Apparently at the request of the Communist Party, Apple is changing the function so that receiving files from other senders can only be switched on for a maximum of ten minutes.

The AirDrop function in China can no longer be switched on permanently for foreign senders

Photo: Twitter

Previously, once turned on, AirDrop reception was ALWAYS possible. Now it has to be reactivated every ten minutes – which hardly anyone will do in everyday life.

The BILD test: On a German iPhone with the latest operating system iOS 16.1.1, it is still possible to permanently switch on AirDrop

The BILD test: On a German iPhone with the latest operating system iOS 16.1.1, it is still possible to permanently switch on AirDrop “For everyone”.

Photo: private

Apple introduced the change on November 9 with its iOS 16.1.1 iPhone update. The update has been released worldwide. The AirDrop change was only played out on devices that are in China were sold.

And the Chinese users didn’t even know about it! The official Apple information about the update simply said: “This update contains bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.” Information on the AirDrop change? None!

It’s not the first time that Apple has jumped to the side of the regime in China: at the height of the Hong Kong protests in 2019, the company removed various apps from its app store that were used by demonstrators for communication.

Now the largest technology company in the world is helping the dictatorship again. Apple has so far left press inquiries unanswered.

Historic mass protests in China “Down with the Communist Party!”

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