tech
How the 'Baby iPhone' and an Apple supplier leak explain China's recent supply chain moves
In China's biggest electronics marketplace, Huaqiangbei, technicians don't have the parts to make exact copies of Apple's latest phones.
TL;DR
- A cyberattack on Indian Apple supplier Tata Electronics is being used by China for propaganda to retain international companies in its supply chains.
- Chinese technicians in Huaqiangbei acknowledge they cannot create exact replicas of new iPhones due to a lack of key components and software.
- Despite claims on Chinese social media, replicating advanced iPhones is considered almost impossible.
- The emergence of 'Baby iPhone' copycats, like the $29 '17 Pro Mini' powered by Android, highlights the difficulty in replicating genuine Apple products.
- China is competing with lower-cost countries and using regulations to maintain control over critical supply chains.
- Apple has been diversifying its supply chain, producing some devices in India.
- The Global Times newspaper warned of 'systemic weaknesses in 'Made in India''.