Apple to open 2nd China R&D center in Shenzhen

Firm to boost ties with local partners in manufacturing Apple Inc will set up its second China research and development center in Shenzhen next year, to strengthen ties with local manufacturing partners, as the US tech giant struggles with mounting competition and declining smartphone sales. The Shenzhen center will help "our engineering team work even more closely and collaboratively with our manufacturing partner", Apple said in an emailed statement to China Daily. Apple had set up its first China research and development center in Wangjing area of Beijing, with total investment to reach 300 million yuan. Jin Di, research manager at International Data Corp China, said unlike the Beijing center which focuses on partnership with universities, the Shenzhen unit will help Apple optimize its supply chain management.