Apple has opened a large applied research laboratory in China. The technology company launched this project to take advantage of the country’s manufacturing and development capabilities. The new lab will focus on research for products like the iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro.
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A report from People’s Daily states that Apple has opened an advanced research lab in Shenzhen. Covering 20,000 square meters in its initial phase, the facility will employ more than 1,000 workers from both China and around the world.
According to the Chinese newspaper, Apple’s laboratory is the largest outside the United States. This facility will enhance the company’s testing and research capabilities for future iPhone models and its mixed reality glasses.
Apple already has another lab in Shanghai, where it conducts quality tests and material analysis for all its product lines. The technology company invested over 1 billion yuan (129 million euros) and announced at the beginning of 2024 that it would expand into the “Chinese Silicon Valley.”
“We chose to have both applied research labs in China because of the country’s manufacturing strength and the strong presence of local suppliers,” said Isabel Ge Mahe, general manager of Apple China, in March.
Apple Aims To Close The Gap With Huawei And Other Companies In China
The opening of a laboratory in China is not just for research and quality control. While Apple has been present through its iPhone production plants, the technology industry in the country has significantly evolved. The rise of technologies like artificial intelligence and electric mobility has positioned China as a major global competitor.
In an interview with China Daily, Tim Cook stated that China has the most advanced manufacturing in the world. “If you look at the level of automation, it’s not just standard automation. They have robotics, automated guided vehicles, and very precise vision systems. We’ve been building and investing more and more here,” said the Apple CEO.
Apple’s lab is located in Shenzhen, one of the most advanced cities globally. Often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley, Shenzhen is home to companies like Tencent, BYD, Huawei, and ZTE, along with hundreds of tech startups. The lab will help Apple close the gap with Huawei and Xiaomi, who currently lead in smartphone sales in China.