Microsoft Mandates iPhones For China Employees, Bans Android Devices

In a significant change in its device policy for employees in China, Microsoft has announced that starting this September, itwill limit work-related mobile device usage to Apple iPhones exclusively. This means Microsoft is effectively phasing out Android devices for its employees in China, says a report by news agency Bloomberg.

This shift, detailed in an internal communication seen by Bloomberg, will require China-based Microsoft staff to use Apple iPhone devices for identity verification when accessing company systems. The new policy is part of a broader initiative by the software giant to enhance the security of its products and services against potential cyber threats.

The measure is expected to impact hundreds of employees across mainland China. At the core of this policy change is the requirement for all staff to use Microsoft's proprietary security tools -- specifically, the Microsoft Authenticator password management system and the Identity Pass application.