According to the Chinese government, Apple withdrew WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store. According to reports, Apple has also removed two other popular chat applications, Signal and Telegram.

In a statement to Reuters, Apple stated that "We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree". Furthermore, the business stated that due to national security concerns, China has ordered the apps deleted from the App Store.  "The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China marketplace due to national security concerns. "These apps are still available for download on all other storefronts where they appear," Apple added in the statement.

The decision is unsurprising given China's lengthy history of banning Western applications and websites, saying they violate its internet restrictions. These restrictions frequently focus on data protection, content control, and censorship, which applications developed by US corporations believe are limiting.

Signal and Telegram join a growing list of blocked applications, including Facebook and Instagram, YouTube, and even Wikipedia.

Meta created Threads, its response to Twitter, in 2023. Surprisingly, the app was available in China and was among the top five apps when it was launched. WhatsApp, too, was accessible for download but did not operate properly. Users have to utilize VPNs and other techniques to access major social media applications in China. WeChat is one of China's most popular social media apps.