In an unprecedented move, multiple Chinese state firms and government departments across at least eight provinces have recently issued orders to their employees, prohibiting the use of iPhones and other foreign devices at work. This prohibition is expected to have significant implications for tech giants Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. in the world's largest mobile market.

According to insider sources, the instructions to switch to local brands were given in the past month or two, affecting agencies and departments in various provinces, including the prosperous coast. Prior to this, the ban on foreign devices was limited to a small number of agencies in Beijing and Tianjin since September.

The exact number of agencies and departments implementing this directive is unknown, but it is clear that the Chinese government is taking significant steps to reduce reliance on foreign technology in workplaces across the country. This move aligns with the government's ongoing push to promote domestic brands and foster self-sustainability in the tech industry.

While the identities of the specific state firms and government departments enforcing this prohibition have not been disclosed, it is understood that they are supported by government backing. These entities are now mandating that employees switch to local brand smartphones, effectively excluding popular handsets from Apple and Samsung.

This development represents a major blow for Apple and Samsung, both of whom have established a strong presence in the Chinese market. With millions of potential customers now compelled to abandon their beloved iPhones and other foreign devices, sales for these tech giants are likely to be significantly impacted.

The Chinese government's decision to enforce such a wide-ranging ban on foreign devices underscores its commitment to promoting homegrown technology and fostering domestic innovation. It remains to be seen how this prohibition will affect the global smartphone market, but one thing is clear: Chinese consumers will soon be embracing local brands rather than foreign imports in their workplaces.

Apple and Samsung have yet to officially respond to this latest restriction placed on their products, but industry experts anticipate that they will face significant challenges in maintaining their market share in China. As the Chinese government continues to prioritize domestic brands, it is expected that more Chinese agencies and government-backed firms will follow suit in barring the use of iPhones and other foreign devices in the future.