On March 20th, Apple CEO Cook's appearance in Shanghai attracted attention.
According to The Paper, on the afternoon of March 20th, Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Co., Ltd., appeared at Apple's China headquarters in Shanghai to meet with Apple CEO Cook. On that day, Apple suppliers such as BYD Electronics, Lansi Technology, and Changying Precision showcased their intelligent manufacturing technology, as well as the components and products produced for Apple. Wang Chuanfu and Cook visited BYD's booth together.
In addition, according to media reports, in an interview, Cook stated that Apple's generative AI will be announced later this year, and Cook also talked about China and Apple's supply chain.
On the morning of March 20th, Apple CEO Cook posted on Weibo that he had breakfast with Zheng Kai in Shanghai this morning.
Cook: Apple's Generative AI will be announced later this year
Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared in Shanghai on March 20th. When asked about the progress of the iPhone on AI in the interface news, Cook stated that AI has been applied to various aspects of Apple products, such as the fall detection of the Apple Watch and the predictive text input function of the iPhone, which are all driven by AI. This is also the first time it has talked about AI topics in China. Cook reiterated, "Apple's generative AI will be announced later this year."
Cook: For Apple's supply chain, there is nothing more important than China
Apple CEO Cook said in a media interview in Shanghai, "For Apple's supply chain, I don't think there is anything more important than China. In fact, over the past 30 years, we have been continuously expanding our supply chain in China and increasing investment. The modernization level of our factories is very high now. However, if we look back at it 10 years later, we may not think that today's modernization level is too high because we will continue to improve."
Cook Encounters Zheng Kai on the Bund
On March 20th, Apple CEO Cook posted on Weibo stating that he was in Shanghai this morning.
Apple CEO Cook Weibo
Zheng Kai also stated on Weibo that he ran into Cook on the Bund and had breakfast together.
Zheng Kai Weibo
It is worth noting that Cook posted on Weibo on the evening of March 19th, stating that we are pleased that the Apple Jing'an store is about to open this Thursday. Our team eagerly looks forward to welcoming customers in this extraordinary space!
Apple CEO Cook Weibo
Cook previously stated on Weibo that over the past 30 years, Apple has been continuously innovating and providing the most outstanding products and services to Chinese customers. We are looking forward to opening the latest Apple Jing'an retail store in Shanghai. This retail store embodies the innovation and pioneering spirit of Shanghai, and we eagerly look forward to your visit.
It is reported that the store is located directly opposite Jing'an Temple, and the enclosure design has been officially announced, with the logo composed of Shanghai city flower Magnolia. According to a comprehensive report by Minnan Net, the Shanghai Jing'an store will be the highest specification Apple flagship store in China at present. Based on the exposed decoration information, the Jing'an Temple store in Shanghai is expected to occupy an area of 3835 square meters, with a total investment of over 83.4 million yuan. The retail store level will be second only to the global Apple flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York.
Cook visited China twice last year
According to Shanghai Securities News, Cook visited China twice in 2023. In March 2023, Cook suddenly appeared at an Apple retail store located in Sanlitun, Beijing after a 4-year hiatus, and subsequently attended the China Development Forum. In his speech, Cook talked about how Apple has grown together with China in the 30 years since entering the country. He stated that Apple relies on China, which is both a manufacturing center and a rapidly growing consumer market for the company. "This is a symbiotic relationship that both of us are happy to see," Cook said.
In October 2023, just 7 months later, Cook returned to China and first appeared at an Apple retail store located in Taikoo Li, Chengdu. During this trip, he also visited the factory of Lixun Precision in the supply chain.
According to the data, Cook made his first visit to China in 1996. After Cook became CEO, he made his first visit to China in 2012, making China the first country Cook visited since taking office.
As of the close of March 19th local time, Apple closed at $176.08, up 1.36%, with a market value of $2.7 trillion.
