Against the background of a possible ban on WeChat, China conducted a large-scale survey among iPhone users, in which more than 1.2 million people took part. As a result, it was found that about 95% of iPhone owners are ready to abandon the use of Apple smartphones and switch to products of other brands if WeChat is banned. This application has long become an integral part of the life of many people in the Middle Kingdom. One of the survey participants even said that the iPhone can turn into an expensive “e-waste”, as the WeChat application is one of the most important.

Tencent executives, speaking at a conference yesterday, expressed their hope that the ban would only affect WeChat in the US, but not its Chinese counterpart, Weixin. They also noted that they still do not have information on how widespread the US government’s ban on cooperation with Tencent will be.

While the last quarter was good for Apple’s business in China, the company continues to face strong competition from major Android device makers such as Huawei. Apple’s strategy to attract new buyers of affordable devices like the iPhone SE could be thwarted if WeChat is banned and tensions between the US and China continue to rise. With Android smartphone makers offering a wide variety of devices, including flagship models that support fifth-generation (5G) networks, Chinese consumers can find a decent iPhone replacement should the need arise.