Behind the Money cover image

Behind the Money

Best Of: Why Apple can’t leave China

Sep 27, 2023
Apple's challenges in China, impact of China's zero COVID policy, struggles in fulfilling iMac orders, partnership with Foxconn, difficulties in shifting away from China
21:48

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Apple's heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing and its complex supply chain make it challenging for the company to cut ties with China and diversify its operations.
  • China's unique combination of manufacturing capabilities, government support, and infrastructure make it difficult for Apple to find a suitable alternative and replicate its success in other countries.

Deep dives

The Challenges of Apple's Relationship with China

Apple faced a dilemma when confronted with questions about human rights in China. While Apple wants to support people's rights, it relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing for its hardware, which generates 80% of its revenue. The growing tensions between China and the US, along with China's increased control, have made it challenging for Apple to operate in China while also dealing with demands from Beijing. As Apple considers diversifying its supply chain away from China, it realizes the complexity and difficulty of replicating China's labor force, institutional knowledge, and support from the Chinese government.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode