China Fallout: Apple's Airdrop Restrictions Could 'Go Global' — And Twitter Users Not Happy

Apple Inc.'s AAPL AirDrop feature has been restricted in China as anti-government protests continue to grow around the country.

What Happened: Apple has limited the time iPhone users can use the "Everyone" setting to receive content from anyone to a mere 10 minutes, reported Business Insider. 

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also quote tweeted one of his tweets from earlier this month, where he had said the "change will eventually go global." 

This news from earlier this month is resurfacing again. Apple’s AirDrop change that could limit anti-government protests in China. https://t.co/ExWDUTmWDg

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) November 30, 2022

For now, the restrictions on AirDrop exist in China after it was used to share posters opposing Chinese President Xi Jinping and his government. 

Apple did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comments. 

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Why It's Important: Before this change was introduced, iPhone users could receive AirDrop content from "Everyone" for an unlimited period. The feature was pivotal during the protests in Hong Kong and bypassing China's "Great Firewall" in 2019, the report noted. 

Twitter users are angry at Apple and Tim Cook for putting restrictions on AirDrop, especially after Elon Musk made scathing remarks accusing the tech giant of suppressing free speech. 

$AAPL willing to remove Twitter from App Store to limit free speech but all too happy to assist CCP in suppressing Chinese people’s basic human rights. This is just the tip of iceberg. Imagine all other back doors Apple has built into iPhone. Nicely done @tim_cook

— Wawa �� (@pugxi) November 30, 2022

On Nov. 9, Apple released iOS 16.1.1. One change applied only to iPhones sold in China: AirDrop's "Everyone" setting lasts only for 10 minutes, limiting direct connections and hobbling a tool that "has been an effective communication tool for protestors." https://t.co/iV1jkWhCaP pic.twitter.com/l4ogiZzWWY

— Ajit Pai (@AjitPai) November 28, 2022

Price Action: Apple stock closed 2.11% lower at $141.17 on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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