China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has shut down Apple’s iTunes Movies and iBooks, a surprising move that may signal that the government is souring on the American tech giant.
The services were only introduced six months ago — with the Chinese government’s blessing — before being closed down last week.
“We hope to make books and movies available again to our customers in China as soon as possible,” an Apple spokeswoman told TheWrap.
The move is somewhat surprising, as Apple’s been able to penetrate the tough Chinese market, maintaining what appeared to be a fairly friendly relationship with the tricky government.