It might be all just a coincidence, but a Chinese consumer protection group started investigating Apple’s iPhone just days after a state-run newspaper said that China would respond in a “tit-for-tat” manner to any of Trump’s actions that could affect trade between the two countries. Apple’s iPhone was even specifically mentioned as a potential collateral victim. On the other hand, if there are iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s users who are experiencing a strange issue, it should certainly be addressed.
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According to The Wall Street Journal, there’s a problem affects both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s: some devices turn off spontaneously, and they won’t turn back on without being plugged into a computer first. This happens even when the battery indicator shows that there’s more than 50% battery left.
The China Consumers Association is looking into the matter. It’s interesting that the consumer advocacy group isn’t an official regulator, even if it’s state-approved.
The consumer group approached Apple about the issue, although there aren’t any more details available about the matter. It’s unclear what causes the unexpected shutdown, whether it can be fixed, or how many users have been affected in the region. Apple has not commented on the matter.
“In view that Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s series cellphones in China have a considerable number of users, and the number of people who’ve reported this problem is rather many, China Consumer Association has already made a query with Apple,” the agency wrote on its website, according to Reuters.
The Journal notes that China sometimes uses state-run media and semiofficial sites to “signal permissible, and impermissible, behavior to foreign companies.” The connection with Trump’s election in the US appears to be evident. Trump has often criticized trade with China, vowing to address it as president.
Regardless of Trump’s involvement, this isn’t the first time China has taken action against Apple. Earlier this year, China shut down Apple’s online book and movie operations. In June, Apple was hit with an iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s sales injunction, though the company is appealing that decision.
The Journal also notes other iPhone-related troubles from the past. State-run China Central Television accused Apple of skirting iPhone warranties in 2013, and of tracking user locations in 2014.
