Why is Tim Cook Overly Praising China?

Tim Cook visits Shanghai, China
Opens the world’s second-largest store
Expresses importance and affection for China

Apple CEO Tim Cook is showing affectionate outreach toward China.

Recently, Apple opened the world’s second-largest and China’s largest Apple store in Shanghai. It follows the Apple store on 5th Avenue in New York, USA.

Tim Cook posted a message in Chinese on the Chinese social network Weibo, writing, “Shanghai Nonghao!” which means ‘Hello, Shanghai.’ He added, “I’m thrilled to be back in this amazing city.”

Such efforts by the CEO were aimed at overcoming competitors and recovering sales as Apple faced headwinds in China, ranging from an economic slowdown to geopolitical tensions and heightened nationalist sentiments.

According to IDC Research, Apple recorded a 17.3% market share in China last year, taking the top spot in the Chinese smartphone market for the first time.

However, a separate report from Counterpoint Research earlier this month showed that iPhone sales in China dropped by 24% in the first six weeks of 2024 compared to last year.

During this period, Apple’s market share declined compared to Vivo, Huawei, and Honor, while its competitor, Huawei, saw a 64% surge in sales.

A senior analyst at Counterpoint explained, “China remains an important market for Apple, which is strengthening its physical presence by utilizing its stores as a key marketing tool.”

Indeed, Tim Cook, on his third visit to Shanghai, emphasized during a small sharing session at the Apple Shanghai office on the 20th, “There is no supply chain more important to Apple than China in the world.”

He also praised BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, as “the most advanced manufacturer in the world” during a meeting with its founder and chairman, Wang Chuanfu.

Meanwhile, Apple’s popularity in China remains strong. It is reported that over 100 people waited overnight in line on the opening day of the second store in Shanghai to be the first to enter or take a photo with Tim Cook.