On October 27, eagle-eyed netizens spotted that the promotional image of the latest iPad mini (A20 Pro) on Apple's official South Korean website had undergone a subtle yet significant change. The hand image, which was previously present, had been removed, leaving only the device itself on display. In stark contrast, the Chinese official website continued to feature an image of hands delicately pinching the edge of the tablet, a visual cue designed to highlight its sleek and slim design.

This strategic adjustment was made with the intention of steering clear of any potential cultural sensitivities in South Korea. The gesture of pinching the index finger and thumb together, while seemingly innocuous in some cultures, can inadvertently lead to misunderstandings or even offense in others. This is not an isolated incident; previously, the popular game MapleStory also found itself embroiled in a similar controversy over a comparable gesture and subsequently issued an apology.

Apple, for its part, has remained tight-lipped about this particular adjustment, choosing not to issue a formal statement. This approach aligns with its broader regional marketing strategy, which often involves tailoring content and imagery to suit the cultural nuances and preferences of different markets.