Tech giant Apple is making another big move in China, as the company looks towards boosting its R&D presence in the region. Apple is clearly aware that it is facing challenges in the Chinese market, but it also seems to be aware of the opportunities the market presents.
The lab is expected to be up and running later in 2024
The company is pouring resources into its existing applied research lab in Shanghai. This facility focuses on improving the materials and construction of Apple products and components, aiming to ultimately enhance the quality and performance of their devices. On the other hand, a brand new applied research lab is under construction in Shenzhen, another major Chinese city. Expected to open later in 2024, this lab will serve several purposes, including supporting employees and fostering closer collaboration with local suppliers – which will in turn strengthen the link between Apple and Chinese manufacturers. The lab will offer advanced research facilities for employees in the region, while also contributing to improved testing capabilities for flagship products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro.
Isabel Ge Mahe, Apple Greater China, talked about the company’s growing dedication to R&D in the region, stating that over $139 million has already been invested in applied research labs within China. Not only that, the number of Apple R&D staff in China has doubled over the past five years.
While Apple faces strong competition from local smartphone vendors like Huawei, this expansion is a clear sign that the company has no intentions of giving up easy, especially in a market that holds a lot of long-term potential. The upcoming opening of Apple’s eighth Shanghai store, Apple Jing’an, further emphasizes their commitment to expanding their retail footprint in China. Local retailers have been offering sizable discounts on Apple’s iPhones to keep the sales up, and it seems to be working so far. Time will tell if Apple can keep the hype up and running in the Chinese tech scene.
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(Via)
