Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
President *****’s executive order banning WeChat could have far-reaching consequences for almost the entire technology industry, thanks to the app’s parent company, Tencent, having investments in companies like Riot Games and other US-based brands. But the ban could also have a big impact on Apple, which is deeply entrenched in China.
Apple has a significant Chinese customer base, and nearly all of its critical manufacturing and assembly partners are based there. *****’s ban might not only force Apple to remove WeChat from its App Store — which would destroy Apple’s Chinese smartphone business — it could existentially change how Apple is able to build and sell new products in the future.
It’s hard to emphasize the prominence of WeChat…