Dream - China's move to ban employees from using iPhones while working turns out to be more than just a mere threat. The proof is that the Chinese government will expand the coverage of provinces that are required to implement this ban policy. Employees in various state-owned companies and government departments in eight provinces in China are asked not to bring iPhones or other Western phones to the workplace, according to unnamed sources quoted by Bloomberg through Insider.

The Chinese government previously denied reports that they restrict the use of foreign mobile phones, including those made by Apple. However, they have also raised concerns about the security of Apple smartphones as they strive to detach the country from Western technology, and there are signs that this push may have impacted Apple's position in the country.

Apple also finds itself caught in the midst of a broader geopolitical battle between the US and China due to its dependence on the Asian superpower. This US company still manufactures over 95% of its iPhones, Macs, and iPads in China, despite efforts to change that in recent years.

Apple has been trying to improve its "symbiotic" relationship with China in recent months, with its CEO Tim Cook making at least two visits to the country this year, and the company agreeing to new rules on what applications can be launched.