Microsoft orders employees in China to use iPhones, bans Android devices

In a significant change to its policy on employee devices in China, Microsoft announced that starting in September, it will limit the use of mobile devices for work purposes to Apple iPhones only. This means that Microsoft is effectively phasing out Android devices for its employees in China, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The change, detailed in an internal communication seen by Bloomberg, will require Microsoft employees based in China to use Apple iPhones to verify their identities when accessing the company’s systems. The new policy is part of a broader initiative by the software giant to make its products and services more secure against potential cyber threats.

Hundreds of workers in China could be affected

The measure is expected to affect hundreds of employees in mainland China. The basis for the policy change is a requirement for all employees to use Microsoft’s proprietary security tools—specifically, the Microsoft Authenticator password management system and the Identity Pass app.

Huawei, Xiaomi’s own app store

In China, the mobile app landscape is very different from other markets. Google Play Store, the standard app store for Android devices worldwide, is not available in the country. Instead, leading Chinese smartphone makers like Huawei and Xiaomi have developed their own app distribution platforms to serve their customers on their home turf.

This unique situation reportedly influenced Microsoft’s decision to exclude Android devices from its enterprise ecosystem in China. According to sources cited in the report, the tech giant cited the unavailability of Google’s mobile services in the country as a key reason for the move.

To facilitate this transition, Microsoft has reportedly committed to providing iPhone 15 models to employees who currently use Android devices. Internal company communications suggest that these Apple devices will be made available to employees in all regions of China, including Hong Kong.

By implementing an iPhone-only approach, Microsoft intends to standardize and strengthen its security protocols, providing a more uniform and controlled mobile experience for its workforce in China. The move reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defenses against increasingly sophisticated hacking attempts and cybersecurity threats.