The block is still there, but only partially it seems. I haven't pinned down the exact conditions under which LINE can get through but Android versions seem to be less susceptible to the block, based on what I've heard from many users.

Your operating system has nothing to do with whether or not you are blocked! It's all about where you are, your carrier, and the caliber of your VPN.

Well if the block is still there, it's not working.

My niece replied to my hello this morning via Line and we actually followed up with a short free Line call afterwards!

And she's not using VPN.....Moto G, TMO telephone number

;)

LINE app blocked in China
 

Foreign carriers on 3G aren't blocked as it seems they route through their home country. China mobile phone users are blocked everywhere. It's why I can't access Facebook on my phone when I'm on 3G even when I'm outside China.

It's definitely blocked in China. My experience is the same as travelinmanS; US phone get US IP when roaming (so Netflix, Hulu, etc. all work) whereas my Chinese phone still can't access anything even when I roam (unless I'm on WiFi of course).

As with FlyerTalk not working in China... FlyerTalk uses a lot of Google API stuff which is blocked in China. So if you're looking at the loading sequence for the webpage you'll see it get stuck whenever it's trying to access Google (and same with website that use FaceBook and Twitter APIs).

Please refrain from making blanket statements. Line is NOT blocked in Shenzhen via Unicom.

What then would be the reason for my friends being on the same network but when not on VPN and in spite of being right next to each other, the Android user can get through while the iPhone user can't?

LINE was blocked for most of my trip to China, but I was able to access it for the first two weeks (June 18 ~ July 2), and intermittently throughout my journey. Skype was good to go though.

I was in Xuzhou Crowne Plaza hotel and I am now in my friend's home. Line doesn't work in both places.

I'm in Shanghai, and it's not working on my phone using hotel Wi-Fi (no VPN).

Its working for me without VPN on Unicom 3gwap.

Same with Nexus 5 + WP at Shanghai Marriott city centre. Line didn't work as late Oct/early Nov.