Apple China investing in research hubs
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Apple China plans to set up two more research hubs and boost investment there.
The announcement comes as CEO Tim Cook takes his latest trip to Apple’s single biggest overseas market. He is expected to be present at the opening of a new Apple store at Jinmao Place in Nanjing this Saturday, March 25.
Apple says it plans to build research hubs in the eastern cities of Shanghai and Suzhou, on top of centres already slated for Beijing and the southern city of Shenzhen. It has also pledged to spend at least US$507 million on research institutions.
All four centres will open thisyear with the aim of enabling co-operation with local partners and attracting talent.
Meanwhile, Cook has addressed an economic forum in Beijing attended by senior government officials and leaders of corporations such as Royal Dutch Shell and Saudi Arabian Oil.
For the first time, iPhone shipments to China fell last year. This followed years of China driving Apple’s growth, even as smartphone demand elsewhere faltered. Now, local vendors like Huawei Technologies, Oppo and Vivo are eroding its market share.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific cities in China will host the new Apple research hubs?
Which specific cities in China will host the new Apple research hubs?
Apple plans to build research hubs in the eastern cities of Shanghai and Suzhou. These are in addition to centres already planned for Beijing and the southern city of Shenzhen, bringing the total to four.
Q.What is the primary goal behind establishing these new research centres in China?
What is the primary goal behind establishing these new research centres in China?
The main aim of opening these four new centres this year is to enable greater co-operation with local partners. They also seek to attract local talent to work with Apple on its research initiatives.
Q.What investment amount has Apple pledged towards research institutions in China?
What investment amount has Apple pledged towards research institutions in China?
Apple has committed to spending at least US$507 million on various research institutions within China. This investment is part of its broader strategy to boost its presence and innovation efforts there.
Q.What is the current trend for iPhone shipments in China, according to the article?
What is the current trend for iPhone shipments in China, according to the article?
For the first time, iPhone shipments to China fell last year. This is a shift, as China previously drove Apple's growth for many years, even when smartphone demand declined elsewhere.
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