Apple CEO Tim Cook delivered a speech at the China Development Forum in Beijing, praising Chinese developers and the country's innovation ecosystem. Cook highlighted how innovation, green development, and education are interconnected, emphasizing Apple's commitment to collaborating with Chinese partners. He specifically commended China's 'excellently talented developer community' for producing apps for the iPhone and transforming the country's manufacturing sector.

This appearance comes as Apple faces mounting pressure from Chinese regulators who want greater control over the iOS ecosystem. In March 2026, Apple reduced its app commission from 30% to 25% to appease Chinese authorities, but officials immediately pressed for more concessions. China is pushing Apple to open up iOS and become more like Android, seeking to loosen Apple's control over its App Store.

The forum highlighted the complex relationship between Apple and China. While Cook praised China's innovation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang's speech took a different tone, referencing Apple's efforts to diversify its supply chain away from China. Li emphasized that 'no country can go it alone' in the global economy and warned against politicizing supply chains. This reflects China's awareness that Apple has been gradually reducing its manufacturing dependence on the country, with suppliers spending an estimated $16 billion to relocate operations to places like India and Vietnam.