Hey Apple, Here Are Some Possible Add-ons For iPhones in China

We recently learned that Baidu, the popular search engine in China, is rumored to be integrating into Apple’s iOS. So rather than setting Google as the default search service, Chinese iOS users will be able to set Baidu as the default — if the rumor proves true. I trust many Chinese Apple users would be excited about this news.

It’s pretty remarkable to see how Apple, an American company, is trying to fit into China. For mobile, it started with the introduction of a Chinese version of its iTunes app store, followed by setting RMB as the default currency. In its iOS 5 update, Apple also included three popular Chinese email services for easy mail set-up for its Chinese users. Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) localization efforts won’t end there. So I thought it would be fun ponder some other possible add-ons.

1. Youku/Tudou app

YouTube is blocked in China. Instead, Apple should set Youku/Tudou (I’m adding a slash since they recently merged) as the default video app. We heard rumors that this might be happening or even already in the pipeline. Perhaps the recent business merger has caused a delay.

2. Sina Weibo integration

iOS 5 saw Twitter integrated as a social sharing feature in almost every option bar we see on our Apple gadgets. Unfortunately, China can’t use Twitter. It is blocked. No worries, though. Sina Weibo is huge in China too. If Apple wants to integrate a simple social function, Sina Weibo is certainly a good option to consider.

3. A lunar calendar

Most of the Chinese festivals follow the Lunar calendar. So it is a pain to switch between the western calendar and the Lunar one. For example, there’s no fixed date for Chinese New Year if you track it using the western calendar. Plus, many Chinese folks celebrate their birthdays based on the Lunar calendar. So it would be helpful to have a simple function that allows users to view Apple’s own calendar in lunar mode. [Image source: Appfind]