In Shenzhen, Apple is about to launch its new exploration facility.

Buildings in Shenzhen, China [Pexels/Lywin]
Apple is close to opening a new materials laboratory in Shenzhen (China) as part of its continued investment in research and development. Apple revealed in March that it was building more dedicated research and technology facilities in China. One was a newly expanded applied research laboratory in Shanghai and the other was a new lab to be built in Shenzhen. It seems that the lab has been nearing completion for months and will soon be accepting Apple employees. Shenzhen Daily cited Cailian Press to say that the new Shenzhen Research Laboratory is “set” to open. The report does not give a date for its opening. The lab’s purpose is to test Apple products and analyze materials. The iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro are among the items that will be tested. Apple has invested more than 1 billion yuan (138 million dollars) in its new applied research laboratories, according to the report. Apple now has four R&D centers in China. The new lab’s readiness seems to coincide with reports that Apple COO Jeff Williams visited China in late July. Shenzhen Daily reports that Williams visited Shenzhen in July and met Internet celebrity Du Junming for a film created using the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Williams met earlier in the day with Shenzhen Party Secretary Meng Fanli and also visited the Apple Store in the Yitian Holiday Plaza, Nanshan. Meng asked Apple for continued Shenzhen investment and to explore increased cooperation within the supply chains. Williams has visited China frequently in his role as COO. This has led to meetings between Apple and major partners.