Tim Cook Makes First China Visit As Apple Executive Chairman, Meets Guangdong Governor

According to a report by the South China Morning Post on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Apple executive chairman Tim Cook has begun his third visit to China this year, after Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro line-up and the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone, in one of its biggest markets.

The trip is Cook’s first to China since he handed the CEO role to John Ternus. The SCMP reported that Cook met Guangdong governor Meng Fanli on Sunday and said Apple is willing to expand its presence in the province, including in smart manufacturing and sales channels. Cook said Guangdong has been essential to Apple’s growth in China, citing the concentration of Apple suppliers and partners there. China Daily reported that Cook’s itinerary began on Saturday in Guangzhou with a visit to the set of a Wing Chun short film shot entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple said on Saturday that committed investment in its second China Clean Energy Fund has risen to $212 million, roughly double the $100 million anchor investment made last year, according to China Daily. The increase reflects commitments from additional suppliers, including Sunwoda Electronic. The fund has made early investments in a 260-megawatt wind project in Guangxi and a 50-megawatt wind project in Shandong, both under construction. Apple also said more than 95 percent of its direct manufacturing in China now runs on renewable energy, as part of its goal of carbon neutrality across its footprint by 2030.

Global Times reported that Meng welcomed Apple to locate more products, new businesses and research platforms in Guangdong and promised a market-oriented, law-based business environment.

China Daily reported that Cook’s trip is tied to the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management advisory board meeting, scheduled for October 13 and 14 in Beijing. The SCMP noted that the visit comes amid mixed signals on demand for the new iPhones in China. Cook’s earlier 2026 visits, in March and May, included Apple stores in Chengdu and Beijing for the company’s 50th anniversary.

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