China is doing all efforts to crack down the functioning of tech giants. In September 2017, the Chinese Government banned WhatsApp leaving thousands of business into a standstill. The latest development is that China has suspended the cellular connectivity to the recently launched Apple Watch Series 3.
Apple Watch Series 3 was made available for sale on September 22 all over the world including China. As part of the launch offer, customers were provided with an ability to establish connectivity with China Unicom cellular network. However, on September 28 the mobile service provider reportedly shut down wireless connectivity to the Apple Watch Series 3 users.
The mobile industry in China has been closely monitored by the Government. The highlight of Apple Watch 3 is the addition of an e-SIM, which is a micro SIM card buried deep inside the smartwatch.
The purpose of the e-SIM is to enable users to pick a mobile provider of your choice and plan relevant to them. Hence, the Government will not able to track the users like in the case of the conventional mobile system. It was widely reported that China Unicom provided cellular connectivity on a trial basis.
Commenting on the development, Apple disclosed that they have received a response from China Unicom that the mobile connectivity of the Apple Watch Series 3 has been suspended. If the provider doesn’t activate the service, then the real purpose of the watch is compromised.
It remains to be seen as to whether China Unicom will activate the cellular connectivity in the next few days. Otherwise, the valuable investment of $600 will be inside the dustbin.
We wonder why Apple continues to manufacture iPhone and other devices despite the continual ban by Chinese Government. It’s high time that the Cupertino-based giant should look into the alternative countries such as India.
