Microsoft mandatory iPhone for Employees in work China Can Not Use Android in Office
The main reason for the change in Microsoft’s policy is the non-availability of Google Mobile Service (GMS) in China. These services are critical to Microsoft’s security applications, such as Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass, which are now required for all employees. As official app stores for Android along with Google Play are not available in China, Apple’s App Store has become the only platform where these apps can be downloaded.
Moving forward on the same lines, Microsoft will provide a new iPhone 15 to every employee currently using an Android smartphone. These devices will be available for pick-up across China. It is worth noting that this policy only applies to office work smartphones, employees can still use their personal Android devices.
The move comes amid heightened cybersecurity concerns following a major cyberattack linked to Russia that affected several US government agencies earlier this year. In response, Microsoft launched the Secure Future Initiative, a large program aimed at strengthening its security protocols.
In view of the ongoing geo-political tension between America and China, questions are likely to be raised on the policy change. Recently, Chinese government agencies urged employees to avoid using foreign devices at work due to similar security concerns. Apart from this, America has also imposed many strict restrictions on Chinese companies operating within its borders.
Microsoft’s decision to make iPhones mandatory for its employees in China highlights the difficulties of operating in a market with limited access to certain software and services. The company is prioritizing security, but this move inadvertently also fuels the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China.
