Following Tim Cook’s apology yesterday, the state-controlled media in China has begun to praise Apple after a constant barrage of negative stories over the past couple of weeks. Apple’s apology and policy change were inevitable, as the company was an underdog against the Chinese state media machine. At least according to Reuters:
With the apology and warranty change, Apple's mea culpa is significant not just because it comes from a tech firm that rarely apologizes, but also because Apple may be realizing that in China, it needs to be proactive.
Since Apple posted Tim Cook’s letter on their Chinese website, everyone from the Foreign Ministry to the press has enthusiastically welcomed Apple’s change in policy. Apple’s decision demonstrates the power of the Chinese media. Other companies targeted by the Chinese press have seen sales drop, something Apple would desperately want to avoid as China continues to develop into one of their most important markets. Going forward, Apple will need to move even faster to respond to both consumer and government demands, staying ahead of anything that could obstruct their growth.
Source: Reuters
