Apple enforces Chinese government licence requirement

Developers express concern about Apple's decision

Apple has implemented a requirement for new apps seeking to launch on its China App Store. They must now provide proof of a Chinese government license, a move that aligns with tightening state regulations in the country.

China announced new app laws in August, compelling app developers to submit an ‘internet content provider (ICP) filing' when they intend to publish new apps on its App Store, as stated on its developer site.

The ICP filing is a longstanding registration system necessary for websites to operate legally within China. Most local app stores, including those operated by Tencent and Huawei, have adopted this system since at least 2017. To obtain an ICP filing license, developers must either have a registered company in China or collaborate with a local publisher, which has posed challenges for numerous foreign app developers.

Apple's previous, more lenient ICP policy enabled it to offer a more extensive selection of mobile apps compared to local app rivals, contributing to its popularity in China, its third-largest market globally, following the Americas and Europe.

This decision by Apple follows China's increased scrutiny of mobile apps in August, which introduced a new regulation mandating that all app stores and app developers submit an ‘app filing' containing business details to regulators.

Apple's compliance status has the potential to impact the accessibility of hundreds of thousands of apps on its App Store in China, including popular foreign apps like X (formerly known as Twitter) and Telegram, which gained popularity during protests against COVID-19 lockdowns last year.

Many developers have expressed concerns on social media regarding Apple's decision, fearing that the company may further tighten regulations to fully comply with China's requirements.

Some iPhone users in China have also expressed their potential need to use Apple accounts from other countries to access their favorite apps.

Under the new rule, apps without proper filings will face penalties after a grace period that concludes in March next year. Newly developed apps must adhere to the rule which started in September 2023.