Apple will build new research center in China, Tim Cook says during visit
Apple is building more in China — but not necessarily the next iPhone.
The hardware manufacturer will open its first Asia-Pacific research and development center in the country by the end of the year, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Cook reportedly confirmed the news with Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. The company has not disclosed where exactly the center will be built and when construction will begin.
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Apple has been working to increase its investment in China amid declining revenues and rising distrust from the region.
Revenue in Greater China was $8.85 billion last quarter, down 33 percent from the year prior. That's a steep decline from the 112 percent boost it had year over year in the second quarter of 2015.
Just as China has grown in importance to Apple, the country has at times held the company at arm's length. Earlier this year, Apple closed the iTunes movie and e-book stores in the country reportedly due to the Chinese government requesting more control, according to AppleInsider.
Cook is currently visiting China for the ninth time
But Apple isn't giving up. Cook is currently visiting China for the ninth time over his five years at Apple.
In addition to meeting with government officials, Cook has visited fashion designer Guo Pei and fitness instructor Tony Nicholson, as shown in his Sina Weibo account.
"So as I look in the long term, I think China is an unbelievable market — not only from a demand point of view and the revenue potential there, but also as a great source of talent," Cook told The Washington Post in a recent interview. "We have over a million and a half developers there."
In May, Apple announced a $1 billion investment in China's largest ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing.
Kerry Flynn is a business reporter for Mashable covering the tech industry. She previously reported on social media companies, mobile apps and startups for International Business Times. She has also written for The Huffington Post, Forbes and Money magazine. Kerry studied environmental science and economics at Harvard College, where she led The Harvard Crimson's metro news and design teams and played mellophone in the Band. When not listening to startup pitches, she runs half-marathons, plays with puppies and pretends to like craft beer.
