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*BY ZACH TOOMBS*
Apple has a PR problem in China. The world’s second-largest economy is looking less and less friendly to the tech giant — with China’s government issuing an official warning to Apple on Monday over its warranty policy.
*“狂野! [Wild]”*
Apple has aggressively sought Chinese consumers in recent years — but its relationship with the nation’s government has almost always been icy. (Via Apple)
Monday, Beijing took Apple to task for policies it labeled inferior. Specifically, that Apple’s warranty for iMacs didn’t meet China’s two-year minimum and that the company only gave Chinese consumers replacement parts, when in the U.S. it would provide a whole new phone. (Via ITN)
The complaint prompted a full-fledged apology from Apple CEO Tim Cook — in Mandarin — Monday. The tech company’s chief specifically promised full phone repairs and better training for customer service reps responsible for Chinese consumers.
- improve warranty policy for iPhone 4 and 4s
- better training for China staff
But while Apple admitted to real mistakes on its part, the U.S. company has, for years, been the target of a mountain of ill will from both the Chinese government and the media outlets it controls — despite the fact that Apple makes its products in China.
The nation also allowed rampant counterfeiting of Apple products for years — with more than 20 fake Apple stores popping up around China in 2011. And phony Apple products are still widely sold there. (Via NTDTV)
And Apple has taken an especially harsh beating from Chinese state media in the last few weeks. State-run CCTV, the nation’s most-watched TV network, criticizes Apple on a nightly basis in their newscasts.
Chinese Tabloid The Global Times ran an editorial Friday warning Apple, writing:
*“If the issue developed into a head-on confrontation between Apple and the Chinese authorities, the US company will never be a winner ... It will be wise for Apple not to entangle itself into political debates.”*
The New York Times says the media criticism could be in response to the troubles Chinese company Huawei has encountered from U.S. authorities — or protection for domestic companies competing with Apple.
In his statement Monday, Apple’s CEO called the Chinese consumer “the top priority for our hearts.”
Reported by Newsy 2 hours ago.