Photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)

On March 20th, Apple CEO Tim Cook made an appearance in Shanghai, drawing attention.

According to The Paper news, in the afternoon of March 20th, Wang Chuanfu, the chairman and president of BYD Company Limited, appeared at Apple’s China headquarters in Shanghai to meet with Apple CEO Tim Cook. On the same day, Apple suppliers such as BYD Electronics and Lens Technology demonstrated their smart manufacturing technologies and the components and products they produce for Apple. Wang Chuanfu and Cook visited BYD’s booth together.

In addition, media reports stated that during an interview, Cook announced that Apple’s generative AI will be revealed later this year. Cook also discussed China and Apple’s supply chain.

Cook: Apple’s generative AI will be announced later this year

Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared in Shanghai on March 20th. When Jiemian News asked about the “progress of iPhone in AI”, Cook stated that AI has been applied in various aspects of Apple products, such as the fall detection of Apple Watch and the predictive text input of iPhone, all of which are driven by AI. This is also the first time he has discussed the topic of AI in China. Cook reiterated, “News about Apple’s generative AI will be announced later this year.”

Cook: For Apple’s supply chain, there is no place more important than China

During an interview in Shanghai, Apple CEO Cook stated, “For Apple’s supply chain, I think there is no place more important than China. In fact, for the past 30 years, we have been continuously expanding our supply chain in China and constantly increasing our investment. The level of modernization in our factories is very high now, but I think if we look back in 10 years, we might not think today’s level of modernization is that high, because we will continue to progress.”

Zheng Kai also posted on Weibo, stating that he "ran into" Cook at the Bund and they had breakfast together.

Photo/ Weibo post by Zheng Kai

Notably, on the evening of March 19th, Cook posted on Weibo expressing his excitement about the upcoming opening of the Apple Jing’an store on the following Thursday. He mentioned that their team is eagerly looking forward to welcoming customers in this extraordinary space.

Photo/ Weibo post by Apple CEO Tim Cook

Cook had previously stated on Weibo that for the past 30 years, Apple has been continuously innovating, providing the most outstanding products and services to Chinese customers. They are looking forward to opening the newest Apple Jing’an retail store in Shanghai. This store embodies the innovative and pioneering spirit of Shanghai, and they are eagerly looking forward to everyone’s visit.

It is reported that this store is located directly opposite Jing’an Temple. The current enclosure design has been officially announced, with the logo composed of Shanghai’s city flower, the white magnolia. According to a comprehensive report by Minnan Network, the Shanghai Jing’an store will be the highest standard Apple flagship store in China. From the exposed renovation information, the Shanghai Jing’an Temple store is expected to cover an area of 3,835 square meters, with a total investment exceeding 83.4 million yuan. The retail store’s level will be second only to the global Apple flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York.