Tim Cook’s China visit reinforces country’s importance to Apple as global frictions rise
Tim Cook visited China for Apple's 50th anniversary as the company enjoys a surge in iPhone sales while navigating rising geopolitical tensions.
TL;DR
- Tim Cook visited Chengdu, China, for an Apple Store event coinciding with the company's 50th anniversary.
- The visit occurs during a period of increased geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.
- Apple reduced its App Store commission rates in mainland China for in-app purchases and paid transactions.
- Chinese state media and regulators are pushing Apple to further open its ecosystem, including access to third-party payment systems.
- iPhone sales in China surged 23% in the first nine weeks of 2026, outperforming the broader Chinese smartphone market.
- Apple's sales in Greater China reached $25.5 billion in the latest quarter, driven by iPhone 17 demand.
- Apple COO Sabih Khan visited manufacturing partners in Shenzhen and Chengdu.
- Apple's revenue from AI services, primarily through App Store commissions on generative AI apps like ChatGPT, is projected to exceed $1 billion this year.
- Apple made a significant AI hire with Amar Subramanya, formerly of Google.