Apple in ChinaApple in China

Apple, the world's most valuable company, has revolutionized our lives with the iPhone. However, its success has also made it vulnerable, especially in the geopolitical tension between superpowers. In 1996, Apple was near bankruptcy but turned things around by offshoring operations. By 2003, it moved much of its production to China, attracted by affordable labor. This move transformed China into a leading electronics manufacturing hub. Today, 90% of iPhone assembly occurs in China, and despite holding less than 20% of the global smartphone market, Apple captures 80% of the sector's profits. However, China's increasing control over Apple's operations, including data storage and production partnerships, has put Apple in a difficult position. The company relies heavily on China's unmatched production capabilities and lucrative market. Journalist Patrick McGee's investigation, based on interviews with former Apple executives and engineers, highlights how Apple's dependence on China has made it susceptible to the country's political pressures. His work provides a detailed historical account and a cautionary tale about the complexities of global supply chains and geopolitical risks.