Apple’s MagSafe Wireless Charger Banned in China

Regulatory Pressures on Apple’s Ecosystem

Apple’s ecosystem and business practices are attracting the attention of regulators worldwide. The iPhone manufacturer is facing another issue after being forced to make significant changes to its App Store policies in the European Union. The MagSafe wireless charger has been banned under China’s new radio frequency laws. This situation blocks the sale of this accessory in one of Apple’s largest markets.

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has updated its regulations regarding radio frequency management, prohibiting the use of certain types of wireless chargers. This ban will take effect on September 1. According to the new regulations, only three frequency bands will be allowed in China: 100-148.5kHz, 6765-6795kHz, and 13553-13567kHz. Additionally, it is stated that the maximum permitted power level is 80W. Since Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger falls outside these specified values, access to this device in China will not be possible for a time.

The Chinese government emphasizes that the purpose of these laws is to “prevent damage to radio operations”. When the new law comes into effect, the local production or import of wireless chargers that do not comply with these obligations will be prohibited. However, products sold before the deadline will not be affected by this ban.

The Global Impact of the Ban in China

Apple is expected to produce MagSafe devices compliant with the new regulations for China and offer them for sale. However, this raises a new issue: Are these devices, which are banned in China for being “harmful,” not harmful in other countries around the world? Will users be able to continue using these devices? These questions are becoming a significant topic of discussion for Apple and other technology companies.