China names 26 mobile app stores complying with the new rules, but Apple’s App Store not among them

As a sign that it has started enforcing new regulations that expand its oversight of mobile applications, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) unveiled on Wednesday the list of mobile app stores that completed providing business information to regulators. 

According to China’s cyberspace regulator, a total of 26 app stores run by companies like Tencent, Huawei, Ant Group, Baidu, Xiaomi, and Samsung have filed paperwork with the authority. However, the list does not include Apple’s App Store. 

As the most recent move Beijing has made to regulate the industry, China’s information ministry stated last month that the country would soon require all mobile app makers and app stores to register their businesses with the government.

A few weeks ago, Reuters reported that stringent limitations were put in place by digital behemoths like Tencent, Xiaomi, and others operating mobile app stores in China, preventing app publishers from releasing new apps unless they meet all the disclosure criteria imposed by Chinese authorities.

The laws are prompting concern in the sector that releasing apps in the second-largest economy worldwide will become highly challenging and may result in the removal of many apps.

Apple has not specified how its Chinese app store will adhere to Beijing’s new regulations. According to experts, if Apple complies, tens of thousands of apps may be withdrawn from Apple’s App Store in China.

Last month, more than 100 apps offering ChatGBT services were removed from the Chinese App Store ahead of upcoming changes in the country’s rules.