Apple Opens Its Largest Research Lab Outside the US in China

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Key Takeaways

  • Apple has opened a new applied research lab in China.
  • The lab spans 215,000 square feet and is expected to employ over 1,000 local and international talents.
  • The focus of the lab will be on research related to Apple's core products.

Apple opened its new testing and development lab in Shenzhen, China, spanning 215,000 square feet. 

The lab, located in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong technology cooperation zone, began operations on October 10. It will enhance testing and research for Apple’s core products, including iPhones, iPads, and the Apple Vision Pro. The lab is also expected to strengthen Apple’s relationships with local suppliers in China.

The lab will serve as Apple’s research and development hub in the Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine other cities in Guangdong Province.

While the total number of employees currently working in the lab has not been confirmed, it is expected that it will eventually employ over 1,000 domestic and international talent.

Apple Facing Tough Competition in China

Despite Apple’s decision to move some of its production outside China to countries like India and Vietnam, the company can’t ignore China, as it remains the largest smartphone market. Recently, Apple has faced tough competition from Huawei, a company also based in Shenzhen, where Apple has opened its new lab. In April, for the first time in four years, Huawei’s smartphone sales surpassed iPhone sales in China.

Additionally, Apple fell to sixth place among the top smartphone vendors in China, with its market share dropping below 14% in the second quarter of 2024, while Vivo led the market with a 19% share. Given all of this, it’s no surprise that Apple is looking to regain strength in the Chinese market with the opening of this new lab.