China finally green lights iPhone 6 sales after delayed launch
China has finally given the iPhone 6 the go-ahead to be released in the country from 17 October following several weeks of security testing from state authorities.
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus went on sale around the world on 19 September but failed to launch in China for at-the-time unexplained circumstances - although it was correctly rumoured that state regulators were yet to approve the product for sale.
During this time, the smartphones were subjected to “rigorous security tests” to see how easily they leak personal data via the new operating system iOS 8, according to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Earlier this year, Apple addressed privacy concerns of Chinese mobile users claiming it keeps the data of all its users on servers in mainland China - where it would be vulnerable to seizure from authorities.
The news will come as a boost to Apple as China is one of the most prominent smartphone markets in the world boasting1.2 billion mobile users.
One of MIIT’s main concerns with the devices was the apparent ease with which user data could be accessed on PCs partnered with the phone. Furthermore the MIIT queried if Apple staff repairing iPhones could access private user files.
Apple addressed the MIIT’s concerns claiming that it has installed new security measures in iOS 8 and asserted that it had never installed backdoor entrances on any of its products and services.
The smartphone will be available to pre-order from 10 October, supplied by three of China's largest carrriers.
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