Apple’s long-standing reliance on Chinese manufacturing is back in the spotlight, following the release of a new book that questions just how much the company has tied its future to the region. Despite years of political pressure, talk of diversification, and tariff threats, much of Apple’s production still runs through the same Chinese infrastructure it helped build over the past two decades.
Billions invested in efficiency
Since the early 2000s, Apple has poured enormous resources into establishing one of the most streamlined production systems in the world. At the heart of that system is China. From sourcing parts to final assembly, the country offers a level of speed, scale, and labor flexibility that few others can match.
That efficiency has paid off. It has allowed Apple to launch millions of devices with tight deadlines and consistent quality. But it also means shifting elsewhere is not as simple as flipping a switch.
A book raises new questions
In his recently released book, “Apple In China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company,” journalist Patrick McGee argues that Apple’s relationship with China may be more one-sided than it appears. According to him, Apple’s presence has accelerated China’s rise in tech manufacturing far more than Apple has reduced its dependence on the region.
McGee claims that the much-publicized moves to expand production in India and Vietnam are largely symbolic. Final assembly may take place in those countries, but the bulk of component sourcing and early-stage manufacturing still happens in China.
Apple pushes back
Apple has responded, calling McGee’s claims inaccurate and misleading. The company says it has made real progress in diversifying its supply chain, particularly over the past five years, and that its goal is to build more regional resilience to avoid disruption.
Still, even insiders admit the process is slow. Building a supply network as sophisticated as the one in China takes time, especially when it involves new countries with different infrastructure and labor markets.
Why China is hard to replace
The challenge for Apple, and many other global tech firms, is that China remains unmatched in some key areas. The logistics, the talent pool, the ability to ramp up or scale down production quickly. These are not easy to replicate.
Even when new plants open elsewhere, many rely on Chinese-made parts or expertise. In that sense, Apple’s footprint in China goes beyond simple geography. It is baked into the entire process.
Geopolitics and business do not always align
Tariff tensions and shifting alliances have pushed companies to rethink where and how they operate. But for Apple, the story is not just about avoiding politics. It is about what works. China still works. Until there is an alternative that delivers the same results, Apple is not likely to walk away.
The company might not say it out loud, but actions speak. And for now, those actions still lead back to China.
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