Apple has opened a new application research lab in Shenzhen, China, marking a significant expansion of its research and development capabilities in the world’s largest smartphone market. The facility, which began operations on Thursday, is located within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technical Cooperation Zone.
Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Cooperation Zone, China (Photo: Xinhua)
Apple announced plans for the Shenzhen lab in March, saying it would ramp up testing and research for key products such as the iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro spatial computing headset. The lab also aims to strengthen collaboration between Apple and local suppliers.
Initially, the 20,000 square meter (215,000 square foot) facility will be Apple’s research and development hub in the Greater Bay Area. This economic region includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong province.
The institute will eventually employ more than 1,000 domestic and international personnel, state media reports said. Apple describes it as its “largest” laboratory outside the United States, underscoring its commitment to the Chinese market.
The move comes as Apple faces increasing competition in China, particularly from Shenzhen-based Huawei. In August, Huawei surpassed Apple in mainland China for the first time in almost four years, according to recent data from research firm CINNO.
Despite efforts to diversify its manufacturing supply chain outside of China, Apple continues to invest in research at home. The company has so far established research centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Shenzhen, and the size of its Chinese R&D team has reportedly doubled in the past five years.
(From South China Morning Post)
