Can make a Chinese Apple ID and just log into that to download Chinese apps or make subscriptions with RMB (Strava, iQiYi, whatever else). That’s what I’ve always done, two apple IDs.
Could wrong, but I think you can get most of the apps you need in western App Stores. My Apple ID is still associated with the USA and I have the major apps (taobao, meituan, hema). For didi I just use the mini program in WeChat. If you switch I believe it’ll cancel all of your subscriptions that you have via the App Store
I would advise against swapping your ID to the Chinese store. If you can, just make a new one. I changed mine to the Chinese store and now I’m unable to switch back. I can still download all the apps I previously downloaded from the western version but can’t download any new apps that aren’t on the Chinese store.
This brief article talks about switching regions. It doesn’t directly say anything about files being transferred to different servers. They instead present it as more of a legal issue about terms and services, which I think actually trumps the actual servers are being used.
The article states that when you switch regions, your account is subject to different terms and conditions. Even if data is “physically” stored with Apple and not GCBD, I’m guessing Apple would allow the Chinese government access to anything covered under the GCBD terms and conditions.
Personally, I don’t think it’s worth it to do a region switch. Others have mentioned ways to have your cake and eat it too.
Also when you switch to mainland account your background changes to Xi’s profile picture and your FBI agent loses his job
You will get a CCP drone to monitor you though, but those are a bit annoying as they like to call you at night and offer you special deals.
Does anyone know if this is still possible? I’ve always used this method, but this past week I got a prompt in the app store saying I couldn’t use my US account anymore, and I needed to switch it to Chinese region. Presumably there was a software update that has started checking if you’re located in China and blocks you from using the US app store. Anyone else have this problem and know a workaround? If not I’m going back to Android.
Contact apple care I used to work for them. Our system can change it. When I worked there we were allowed to change it as long as you were able to add a card in that region during the process. We change it on our end and your end will ask for a card, address etc. It’s just a pain. 2 apple ids is the way to go
Hello. I have a question. I created an account on my girlfriend’s laptop that she bought in China. I noticed that even tho the laptop is in English when I created the account I had to Agree Terms & Conditions and one whole part was in Chinese. That’s why I looked it up and ended up here.
My question is can I also ask to switch the account region?
Sorry to annoy you with your work after work hours lol