Apple is planning to open its first research and development (R&D) centre in China this year in plans to strengthen its presence in the country.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook has committed to a R&D center in APAC during a visit to China, a market where it’s struggling to gain traction.
Cook’s promise comes at a time when demand for iPhones is dropping in the world’s second-largest economy, and authorities there remain suspicious about foreign technology.
“We look forward to expanding our operations in China with a new research and development centre as we continue to grow our talented team here”, an Apple spokesperson said. He told him that a R&D center would be built by the end of the year.
China was not profitable market for the sale of Apple iPhone during previous two quarters.
Apple, which made its commitment to Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, refused to provide further details about its proposed research center. The reason for spreading its research and development centers worldwide is that not all the research staff is willing to relocate in the U.S.
Apple plans on boosting investment in China.
The announcement emerges nearly two months after the head of China’s industry and technology regulator told Mr. Cook that he hopes that his company will increase cooperation with the country in R&D, stressing upon information security.
During his latest visits to China, Cook had extensive meetings with local developers, highlighting his emphasis on offering better services.
The company pledged a $1 billion investment in Chinese ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing Technology in May.
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But Apple did say the new centre would bring together engineers from some of Apple’s existing R&D centres. He continued to the central Chinese city Chongqing on Wednesday, where he toured an Apple store with the mayor.
