In the face of expanding trade tensions between the United States and China, Tim Cook, the head of Apple, declared further expanding the company's investment in China. This decision underlines the strategical importance of the largest Asian marketplace for the American technological giant – even in a time of protectionism and force from the Donald Trump administration.
Apple ‘in China, for China’ — long-term strategy
During a gathering with Chinese manufacture minister Li Lecheng in Beijing, Cook assured that Apple would proceed to make its operations in China. Although the financial details were not disclosed, the Chinese authorities confirmed that the discussions afraid further cooperation with local suppliers and the expansion of Apple's presence on the Chinese market.
"China expects Apple to further research the possible of the local marketplace and make with Chinese partners"
said Minister Li, stressing that the government inactive creates friendly conditions for abroad companies.
This declaration is not random. In March 2025, Apple launched a renewable energy fund in China with a value of 720 million yuan (about USD 101 million), which is part of a broader "in China, for China" strategy – i.e. adapting local production and services to the needs of Chinese consumers.
iPhone sales in China are increasing – despite the marketplace slowdown
According to the latest IDC analysis company data, in the 3rd 4th of 2025 Apple sold 10.8 million smartphones in China, an increase of 0.6% y/y. In the context of a general decline in request for smartphones in China, Apple turned out to be the only of the 3 largest producers to evidence growth – attributed mainly to the launch of the iPhone 17 series.
Additionally, on October 14, 2025, Apple announced that iPhone Air (a fresh model with eSIM support) would be available for first orders in China, after obtaining approval from the Chinese Ministry to integrate with local telecommunications operators.
Balance between Washington and Beijing
Although Apple is developing operations in China, it does not forget the force from the American administration. In August 2025, Tim Cook handed president Donald Trump a specially made thank-you board for the American Manufacturing programme, while declaring an additional $100 billion investment in production in the US.
This balance between 2 planet powers is not easy. According to experts, US companies are afraid about both the White home repression for "too close cooperation with China" and the failure of assurance in Beijing, where they have been building the image of loyal local partners for years.
"American corporations are now a stabilizer of Chinese-American relations"
said Chinese ambassador to the US, Xie Feng in Washington on October 14.
Apple inactive addicted to Chinese suppliers
Despite attempts to diversify production – including by moving parts of assembly to India – China remains a key link in the Apple supply chain. The same week Cook visited Beijing, Sabih Khan, Apple's operating director, met with Lens Technology, Chinese iPhone glass supplier and Apple Watch, with which Apple has been working for 19 years.
Apple's strategy is simply a flexible global presence: US investments satisfy politicians in Washington and China's improvement guarantees access to the market, infrastructure and talent. In view of the long-term conflict between the USA and China, this approach may be the only way to keep business stability.
Source:
- Nikkei Asia – Braving Trump, Apple’s Tim Cook forecasts to boost China investment, October 15, 2025
https://asia.nikkei.com/business/companies/braving-trump-apple-s-tim-cook-promises-to-boost-china-investment - Reuters – Apple’s China ships emergence as iPhone 17lifts demand, October 15, 2025
https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-china-shipments-rise-iphone-17-lifts-demand-2025-10-15/ - IDC – China Smartphone marketplace Tracker, Q3 2025
https://www.idc.com - Apple Newsroom – Apple Launches fresh Clean Energy Fund in China, March 2025
https://www.apple.com/newsroom - South China Morning Post – Apple’s Cook meets Chinese officials amid US-China techniques, October 16, 2025
https://www.scmp.com - U.S. Department of Commerce – Apple Announces $100B U.S. Manufacturing Investment, August 2025
https://www.commerce.gov
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
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