On October 11, 2026, Meng Fanli, the Governor of Guangdong Province, warmly welcomed Apple’s Executive Chairman Tim Cook in Guangzhou. This visit marked Cook’s first trip to China since stepping down as Apple’s CEO in September of the same year, underscoring his dedication to bolstering Apple’s relationships with the Chinese government, supply chain partners, and consumers alike.

Governor Meng Fanli highlighted Apple’s enduring partnership with Guangdong, spanning production, sales, and R&D sectors. He encouraged Apple to further deepen its presence in Guangdong by introducing more innovative products, exploring emerging business opportunities, and establishing additional R&D platforms. Cook, in turn, emphasized Guangdong’s pivotal role in Apple’s growth trajectory within China. He expressed the company’s eagerness to expand its footprint in the province, with a focus on smart manufacturing initiatives and broadening its sales channels.

Guangdong holds a strategic position in Apple’s global supply chain. In 2023, over 70 of the 187 suppliers contributing to 98% of Apple’s worldwide supply chain expenditures operated factories in Guangdong, cementing the province’s significance in Apple’s operations.

During his visit, Cook also took time to explore the filming location of a Wing Chun-themed short film shot using the iPhone 18 Pro in Guangzhou. Additionally, he engaged in meaningful discussions with local developers and content creators, further demonstrating Apple’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity within the Chinese market.