Apple R&D Centre To Hit Shanghai This Year – Report

Apple is hoping to continue its strategical push in China, as reports indicated it will establish a research and development hub in Shanghai this summer.

The tech titan had failed to make waves in China just a matter of years ago, but now sees it as one of its key locations. The release of the iPhone 5 in the world’s most populous nation was a success, selling over two million over the launch weekend.

Apple R&D

Now it will look to build a major, three-building Apple R&D facility, costing it $8 million in rent every year, according to China Business News. The news came after a member of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce publicly stated confirmation of the complex on Chinese social network Sina Weibo.

A source reportedly told Chinese media the Apple R&D centre will help “strengthen Apple’s management over its supply chain in China and has started to recruit high-level talent in the supply chain field in Shanghai”.

Apple revenue coming from China spiked 67 percent year-over-year, according to its most recent set of results. The iPhone maker has eight official stores up and running in China too.

Apple had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

There are, unsurprisingly, plenty of rumours surrounding how Apple will expand in China and other regions, outside of the Apple R&D centre. One is that it will produce a cheaper version of the iPhone, as many simply can’t afford the iPhone 5. Another suggested Apple would be offering finance plans to help those who can’t afford the full, upfront payment for its products.

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