Apple to Expand Research and Development Facilities in China

Apple is planning to expand its applied research and development labs in China, the company today announced.

apple china iphone factory
In a statement shared with the South China Morning Post, Apple said that it plans to expand its research center in Shanghai "to support all of its product lines," as well as open a new lab in Shenzhen later in 2024 that will work on testing and research of major products including the iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro headset. The company added that the new facility in Shenzhen will strengthen its collaboration with local suppliers and support local employees.

Apple's vice-president and managing director of Greater China, Isabel Ge Mahe, said that the company is proud to cultivate deeper ties in China and expand its presence in the country. Apple has already invested $139.2 million into its Shanghai research center, she added. Last week, Apple announced plans to open a new Apple Store in Shanghai's Jing'an district on March 21.

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Top Rated Comments

ThailandToo Avatar
12 months ago
This seems like a bad calculation from Apple. These decisions have cost Apple so much IP loss in the past to hand them the platter seems stupid.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Darren.h Avatar
12 months ago
Why? I thought Apple was trying to move iPhone assembly out of china.

Our own government generals sounded alarms saying China is getting ready for war with the USA.

Not to mention they steal intellectual property.

Good thing I am using a pc with Windows more than Mac.

If China declares war almost all of Apples manufacturing will be stuck in China.

Good thing they stayed out of Russia.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gknewell Avatar
12 months ago
This is a terrible idea. Getting increasingly tangled up with China right now is absolutely absurd.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xmach Avatar
12 months ago
What exactly does 'applied research' mean?

In any event, it sounds as if this might the price Apple is being forced to pay for continued market access in China, given that the government there is heavily promoting Huawei and increasingly strongly discouraging iPhone usage and ownership.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
trusso Avatar
12 months ago
I have nothing against the Chinese people - just the Chinese government - but Tim Cook needs to get some fresh air or step down. I don’t know what he’s smoking with a decision like this.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
spinedoc77 Avatar
12 months ago
It's interesting to read this, then consolidate it with China's push to replace western tech companies with their own homegrown companies and technology. China already banned Apple phones for government officials and a lot of tech like PCs are being forcefully replaced by state owned tech manufacturers such as Tongfang. Previous stalwarts of China tech like Hewlett Packard, Salesforce, Oracle, and Microsoft are being pushed out and replaced. It makes you wonder what kind of behind the scenes deals Apple is making to stay friends with China.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)