TLDR
- Apple pulled Blued and Finka gay dating apps from China’s iOS store after Cyberspace Administration of China orders
- A lite version of Blued still accessible on China App Store as of Tuesday
- Move continues Beijing’s app store restrictions including previous removals of WhatsApp, Threads, and Grindr
- China now requires government registration and licensing for all apps serving local users
- Apple stock maintains strong performance with 40.4 P/E multiple and 6.0% revenue growth
Apple has removed two popular gay dating applications from its Chinese iOS store following direct orders from Beijing’s internet oversight agency. The company confirmed Tuesday it pulled Blued and Finka after receiving instructions from the Cyberspace Administration of China.
The apps vanished from the platform over the weekend. Apple defended its decision by stating it must comply with laws in countries where it conducts business.
“Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only,” Apple told CNBC. The company noted the apps were already unavailable in other regions.
A lite version of Blued remains downloadable on the China App Store. The removal affects only Chinese users while other markets remain unaffected.
Beijing Expands Digital Control
This action represents the latest chapter in China’s growing oversight of mobile applications. The country has steadily tightened restrictions on digital platforms over recent years.
Grindr disappeared from the Chinese iOS store in 2022 during a broader crackdown on content authorities considered inappropriate. The U.S.-based gay dating app became an early casualty of increased scrutiny.
Beijing introduced sweeping app registration requirements in 2023. All applications serving Chinese users must now register with the government and obtain proper licensing. The policy triggered mass removals of foreign applications from iOS.
Apple removed Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads in April 2024 after CAC cited national security concerns. The company has shown consistent willingness to comply with Chinese demands given the market’s importance to its business.
China stands as Apple’s largest overseas market outside the United States. The company relies heavily on Chinese consumers and manufacturing operations.
LGBTQ Restrictions Intensify
The app removals mirror broader restrictions on LGBTQ content and organizations in China. Beijing has shuttered major advocacy groups including the Beijing LGBT Center in recent years.
China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 but does not recognize same-sex marriage. The government maintains strict controls over LGBTQ visibility and organizing.
Apple Stock Performance
Apple shares continue their upward momentum following robust Q4 earnings results. The company exceeded expectations with iPhone 17 series demand and record-breaking Services revenue.
The stock currently trades at a 40.4 P/E multiple with 6.0% revenue growth over the last twelve months. Apple maintains impressive margins with 23.5% free cash flow and 31.9% operating margin.
Investors are focused on Apple’s artificial intelligence initiatives, particularly Apple Intelligence and on-device AI capabilities. The company’s privacy-focused approach differentiates its AI strategy from competitors.
India is projected to become Apple’s third-largest market by 2026 with $28 billion in anticipated production value for FY26.
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