Apple’s decision to remove Telegram from its China app store has not impacted Chinese downloads of the messaging app, according to Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram. In a recent post on his Telegram public channel, Durov criticized Apple’s “walled garden” policy and argued that it is detrimental to app developers. While the Chinese government ordered the removal of multiple apps, including Telegram, citing national security concerns, Durov believes that Beijing’s actions were aimed at Apple as a whole rather than specifically targeting the messaging app.
Durov compared Apple’s app policy to that of Android, highlighting the fact that Android phones allow users to sideload apps from outside of the official app store. This flexibility gives Android users the ability to directly download Telegram and other apps, whereas iPhone users are limited to the App Store. Durov predicts that as more Chinese consumers migrate to Android devices due to their greater app freedom, the iPhone’s market share in China will continue to decline.
The issue of Apple’s “walled garden” policies is not unique to China. In the European Union, Apple was recently compelled to allow alternative app stores on its devices due to the Digital Markets Act. This legislation aims to prevent the monopolistic practices associated with “walled gardens” and promote a more open app ecosystem.
Despite China’s strict censorship policies, which include the Great Firewall, Telegram remains popular among Chinese users who find ways to access it through VPNs and other proxy tools. Durov acknowledges the savvy nature of Chinese users and their determination to use Telegram despite the restrictions.
In conclusion, Apple’s removal of Telegram from its China app store has not affected its popularity among Chinese users. Durov’s criticism of Apple’s “walled garden” policy sheds light on the challenges faced by app developers in navigating restrictive app store guidelines. The ongoing debate surrounding these policies, both in China and internationally, highlights the need for a more open and flexible app ecosystem that benefits both users and developers.