Apple Reopens 42 Stores in China as Virus Begins to Contain

Apple reopened all 42 branded stores in China on Friday, a month after complete shutdown following the coronaravirus outbreak.

The Chinese iPhone makers website listed the opening time for all stores, which ranges from 10:00- 11:00 AM local time, yet, the website had previously mentioned that not all stores were open.

The reopening came for two main reasons: the first is revenue for the March quarter and the second is that China is Apple's third largest market.

China placed travel restrictions and asked residents to avoid public places in late January, ahead of the Lunar New Year's Day, which is a major gift giving holiday. The restrictions remained largely in effect throughout most of February.

Government data showed today that the company sold less than half a million iPhones in China last February, as the spread of the disease cut the demand for smartphones in half.

Earlier this week, the US giant was also forced to close all 17 stores in Italy as the virus spreads in large numbers.

Meanwhile, Apple has also started making more space in its stores to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

The tech-company also canceled some classes and encouraged employees to work remotely this week.

The iPhone maker announced earlier in the month that it might not yield the expected revenues due to the spread of corona, an issue which most phone companies using Chinese parts would face.

Apple has also closed its stores in China as a result of the outbreak. Overall January smartphone shipments in China dwindled by about 37%, according to data from the Chinese Academy of Information and Communications Technology.

Earlier this month, United Airlines, which has disclosed that Apple is a major customer, said it was cancelling all fights to China until April.