Apple to China Consumers: Sorry if We're 'Arrogant'

Apple issued an apology to Chinese consumers today after government media attacked its repair policies for two weeks in a campaign that reeked of economic nationalism. A statement Apple posted in Chinese on its website today said the complaints had prompted "deep reflection" and persuaded the company of the need to revamp its repair policies, boost communication with Chinese consumers, and strengthen oversight of authorized resellers.

State broadcaster CCTV and the ruling party's flagship newspaper, People's Daily, had led the charge against the iconic American company. They accused Apple of arrogance, greed, and "throwing its weight around," and portrayed it as just the latest Western company to exploit the Chinese consumer. The attacks quickly backfired, though, and were mocked by the increasingly sophisticated Chinese consumers who revere Apple and its products. Nonetheless, Apple responded with an apology from CEO Tim Cook. Click for more. (More Tim Cook stories.)