Apple CEO Tim Cook is in China this week, where he is leading a series of events and meetings that highlight Apple’s long-term focus on the country as both a major market and a key part of its global operations. He attended a 50th anniversary event at Apple’s Taikoo Li store in Chengdu, where Chinese singer Li Yuchun performed, while also preparing for policy discussions and developer outreach.
According to China Daily, Cook will attend the China Development Forum in Beijing and meet government officials, app developers, and partners, while he stressed that “China is so important for us” and added that Apple has been in the country for “over 30 years of our 50 years.”
Cook described Chengdu as “one of the most vibrant cities in the world,” pointing to innovation and entrepreneurship as key reasons Apple continues to invest in the region. At the same time, Apple has started sharing developer coding videos on Bilibili ahead of WWDC 2026, showing a clear push to strengthen ties with local developers.
Apple recently reduced its App Store commission in mainland China from 30% to 25% after discussions with regulators, although authorities continue to push for further changes around “monopolistic” practices. Alongside this, Apple said its suppliers in China saved 55 billion liters of fresh water last year, with new manufacturing processes that “continuously recycle and recirculate water.”
This visit reflects a packed week for Apple as it balances business, regulation, and environmental goals in China.
