Microsoft Plan of Providing Apple iOS-based devices to its employees in China to access essential authentication apps, due to the unavailability of Google Android services in the country.
As a company spokesperson announced on Monday, the decision follows a series of security breaches, including a significant incident earlier this year where Russian hackers accessed the emails of Microsoft employees and customers. .
Bloomberg News first reported the development, citing an internal memo indicating that Microsoft has instructed its Chinese employees to use Apple devices starting in September. The change is part of Microsoft’s global Secure Future initiative and was inspired by the absence of the Google Play Store in China, which restricts access to security apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass.
“Given the lack of availability of Google Mobile Services in the region, our goal is to provide employees with alternative means to access these essential apps, such as on iOS devices,” a company spokesperson told Reuters via email.
Microsoft has maintained a significant presence in China since entering the market in 1992, and it also operates a large research and development center there.
According to Bloomberg report, Microsoft will supply iPhone 15 models to employees currently using Android devices across China, including Hong Kong.
Written by Elias Noreika
