Apple CEO Tim Cook met with China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology, Jin Zhuanglong, during his visit to Beijing this week, according to a statement from the ministry.
Jin expressed hope that Apple would enhance its presence in China by increasing investments in innovation, collaborating with local companies, and contributing to the nation’s high-quality development. Apple has not yet commented on the meeting.
This marks Cook’s second trip to China in 2024. His activities, shared on Weibo, included visits to an organic farm and explorations of historic neighborhoods alongside local artists, including renowned photographer Chen Man.
As the largest smartphone market globally, China presents both opportunities and challenges for Apple. Recently, the company has faced declining market share against domestic competitors. The latest iPhones launched on September 20, coinciding with a new release from Huawei, initially saw a robust start, with sales rising 20% in the first three weeks compared to the previous year’s model, according to research firm Counterpoint.
However, overall iPhone sales in China experienced a 2% year-on-year decline during that same period, attributed to weaker sales of older models and intensified competition from Huawei’s Mate and Pura series.
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