Callkit Removed From iOS Apps in China

Apple tells developers to remove Callkit from iOS apps distributed in China.

18:51 29 May 2018

Apple is requiring all developers to remove CallKit, a software UI framework for integrating calling services, from iOS apps distributed in China.

 

A message sent to developers read: "Recently, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) requested that CallKit functionality be deactivated in all apps available on the China App Store," 

 

"This app cannot be approved with CallKit functionality active in China," it says. "Please make the appropriate changes and resubmit this app for review."

 

The message explained that although VoIP calling is still allowed in China it “can no longer take advantage of CallKit’s intuitive look and feel.”

 

CallKit, which was introduced in iOS 10, provides a way to integrate calling services with other call-enabled apps. Although it does not provide VoIP service, it offers the call-oriented interface elements.

 

Last year, Apple responded to demands from Chinese authorities and removed Microsoft’s Skype app and other VoIP apps from its iOS App store in China. And although not banned by the Chinese government, Apple also removed unapproved 674 VPN apps.

 

For apps and web services not subject to vendor-based censorship, Chinese authorities may implement a network-level blockade, the same they have done with the Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Gmail, Google and Facebook.