Apple is set to open a new applied research lab in the heart of China’s tech hub, Shenzhen. The facility will work on enhancing the quality and reliability of the company’s flagship products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro.
By locating the lab in Shenzhen, Apple can use the city’s proximity to its key suppliers to accelerate the testing of new materials and production techniques. The lab will subject Apple devices to rigorous testing under extreme conditions to ensure they can withstand the demands of daily life.
This move comes as Apple ramps up production for the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, scheduled for release later this year. The new Shenzhen lab is part of a broader investment in China, with Apple already operating research and development centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou, where Apple is also planning to bring Apple TV+.
Apple’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeff Williams, recently visited Shenzhen to stress the city’s crucial role in the company’s market strategy. The tech giant has invested over 1 billion yuan (approximately $138 million) in its Chinese research facilities, which clearly means that Apple is in for the long term.
Apple has also expanded its production to countries like Vietnam and India; China still remains a vital manufacturing hub.
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