July 9, 2024 at 02:37AM
Microsoft China is giving its employees Apple devices to access the company’s systems, due to concerns over using Android devices for authentication. Despite options like using local app stores or side-loading apps, Microsoft prefers using iPhones over building its own app store in China. This move also reflects the company’s skepticism about China’s mobile ecosystem.
It appears that Microsoft China is providing Apple devices to its staff for the purpose of logging on to the company’s systems due to the reported inability of Android devices to be used for authentication. This decision seems to stem from a lack of trust in China’s mobile ecosystem, and potential concerns related to the security of using Android devices in China. Additionally, Microsoft’s actions could be seen as a vote of no confidence in the local app stores and the practice of side-loading for Android devices connecting to local networks. The decision to use Apple devices may be a cost-effective and convenient solution compared to setting up an internal app store, especially in light of Microsoft’s recent actions in China, such as relocating staff to other nations and closing retail stores. The broader political implications and potential challenges for Microsoft workers needing to authenticate using Apple devices in Chinese government offices also seem to be of interest.