Microsoft has decided to provide its employees in China with Apple's iOS devices for using authentication apps because Google's Android services are not available there. This move comes after Microsoft faced security breaches, including one where Russian hackers accessed emails of its employees and customers earlier this year.

The news was first reported by Bloomberg News, which mentioned an internal memo from Microsoft instructing its employees in China to switch to Apple devices starting in September.

This decision is part of Microsoft's global Secure Future Initiative. It aims to address the challenge of accessing security apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Identity Pass, which are not easily available due to the absence of Google Play Store services in China.

A spokesperson from Microsoft explained that since Google Mobile Services are not accessible in China, providing iOS devices is a practical solution for employees to use essential apps.

Microsoft has been a prominent player in the Chinese market since 1992 and operates a significant research and development center in the country. The company's decision to offer iPhone 15 models to its employees across China, including Hong Kong, underscores its commitment to ensuring secure and efficient operations despite regional challenges.

The move highlights the complexities that international companies face in navigating different technological landscapes across the globe. By adapting to local conditions and ensuring access to necessary tools, Microsoft aims to maintain productivity and security for its workforce in China.

This strategic shift towards iOS devices reflects Microsoft's proactive approach to addressing operational challenges and enhancing security measures in an increasingly interconnected world.