'Boss, it's April Fool's Day': Reactions as Apple apologises
Apple China: “Boss, we’ve drafted the apology letter; can you please sign it off?”
Apple HQ: “Our after-sales service in China is great, we will not apologise!”
Apple China: “Boss, we have been telling you for 15 days, we are a little bit wrong.”
Apple HQ: "Fixing a small problem is enough, let’s just say we regret, but we cannot apologise!"
Apple China: "Boss, look at what happened to Google […]”
Apple China: “Boss, it’s April Fool’s Day, please…”
Apple HQ: “Ok, I’ll sign.”
Many observers reacted with disbelief when they saw China’s most authoritative national media outlets, the People’s Daily and Chinese Central Television (CCTV), focus on the question of a shortened product warranty for the company’s computers, cellphones and tablets in China.
"So many media resource are devoted to [bashing] a product whose customer experience is relatively good while there are many poor-quality products begging for scrutiny," he said. "This is a misallocation of media resources."
"If we push the double standard question to the extreme, Apple's American employees are paid more than Chinese employees," Fu said. "Does that qualify as discrimination against Chinese workers?"
In the minds of some people, criticising Apple reflected a correct political orientation, while paying attention to issues like milk powder, gutter oil, [...] and dead pigs could mean touching upon “blocks of solidified interests.”
Some Apple fans launched an offensive against CCTV. They should reflect on the fact that CCTV is trying to defend their rights. But the issue has been interpreted through a highly ideological lens. Apple, as a company, is deified by its fans. But no company can escape the supervision of public opinion. It also raised questions about Chinese mainstream media and why normal criticism against a company could backfire in such a way. The Apple incident was settled quickly, and should bring some maturity to Chinese society.
“Will Apple fans thank CCTV and the People’s Daily? The answer is: no! […] Apple fans like Apple for its pride and arrogance, now that Apple lost its pride, they lose their arrogance!”
“I will not have any sentiment of affection or passion [for Apple].”