Apple opens another megastore in China amid William Barr criticism

Beijing, July 2025 – Apple has just launched a striking new “megastore” in Beijing’s upscale Sanlitun district—more than doubling the size of its original store at that location, which first opened in 2008 . This move demonstrates Apple’s confidence in China, even as the U.S. intensifies scrutiny of American tech companies’ dealings with Beijing.

New Store, Bigger Footprint

Notably, it features China’s first Apple retail location with an integrated solar array, aligning with Apple’s goal of running all its global stores on renewable energy

The revamped Sanlitun store replaces the original, growing staff from around 52 to 185 employees, and has welcomed more than 22 million visitors over the past 12 years.

Apple and China: A Deep Interdependence

Apple and China: A Deep Interdependence

Apple is intricately linked to China:

  • A major manufacturing hub for its devices.
  • A significant revenue source through iPhone sales and App Store subscriptions.
  • Despite strong competition from local brands like Huawei, Apple still holds around 10% of Chinese smartphone shipments, per Counterpoint Research

Timing Amid Tensions with U.S. Officials

The store’s opening came just a day after then–U.S. Attorney General William Barr sharply criticized Apple and other tech giants for being “acquiescent to the Chinese Communists”. Barr claimed Apple:

  1. Removed politically sensitive apps (e.g., those covering Hong Kong protest mapping).
  2. Relocated iCloud data storage to China, leading to privacy concerns.
  3. Demonstrated a double standard, cooperating with Beijing while refusing U.S. law enforcement requests

Apple’s Delicate Balancing Act

For Apple, the expansion signals strategic determination:

  • It adheres to local laws to maintain market access and operational continuity.
  • Yet, critics argue these concessions may compromise user privacy and freedom.

Despite tensions in U.S.–China relations and domestic pressure, Apple appears ready to stand firmly in the Chinese market—highlighting how essential China remains to its global success.

Broader Implications

The Sanlitun megastore isn’t just a retail milestone—it’s a symbol of:

  • China’s importance to Apple’s supply chain and profits.
  • The tightrope U.S. tech firms walk between regulatory demands and values-driven backlash.
  • A shifting landscape where business decisions are increasingly tied to geopolitical dynamics.

Summary

In short, Apple’s opening of a high-profile megastore in Beijing illustrates its unwavering commitment to China—even under intense political heat from Washington. It serves as a reminder of how tech companies must navigate global ambition, local compliance, and international scrutiny all at once.

6 thoughts on “Apple opens another megastore in China amid William Barr criticism”

  1. Lubisz odkrywać świata Mostbet?

    W stale rosnącej branży iGaming, Mostbet stał się jednym z najczęściej omawianych kasyn.

    Gracze z różnych zakątków globu wybierają Mostbet, ponieważ oferuje wciągającą
    rozgrywkę.

    Niezależnie od tego, czy jesteś poszukiwaczem bonusowych przygód – Mostbet oferuje grę, którą warto sprawdzić.

    Możesz zacząć grać już dziś w bezpiecznym
    serwisie online i odebrać swój bonus.

    Kliknij tutaj, aby rozpocząć: Mostbet.

    Zachowaj kontrolę, aby w pełni wykorzystać swój czas z Mostbet. https://agpmu.pl/

  2. Have you ever explored the content in this forum?

    In the constantly expanding world of iGaming, the forum offers engaging posts for everyone interested in the topic.

    Readers from many countries exchange ideas here because it contains useful tips.

    Whether you want to get informed – this community provides an open space.

    Take a look and discover the latest discussions about iGaming and related topics.

    Join the discussion and connect with others who share similar interests.

    Share experiences – for a better understanding of the field. https://www.myvipon.com/post/1630037/show-amazon-coupons

  3. Skvělý článek, opravdu se mi líbí, jak
    jste shrnuli poslední zápasy a ukázali klíčové
    momenty.
    Jako milovník fotbalové atmosféry jsem ocenil přehled největších mezinárodních turnajů.

    Podobné texty mi pomáhají užít si sledování fotbalu naplno.

    Skvěle napsáno, obzvlášť část o přestupových spekulacích byla poutavá.

    Líbí se mi, jak rozebíráte taktiku týmů a filozofie
    trenérů.
    Díky tomu mám pocit, že sleduji fotbal z úplně jiné perspektivy.

    Parádní obsah, obzvlášť se mi líbila část o historii mistrovství a vlivu na
    dnešní fotbal.
    Sázkové tipy a analýzy jsou přesně to,
    co mě baví sledovat kromě samotné hry.
    Je vidět, že na přípravě obsahu pracuje tým s opravdovým nadšením pro fotbal. https://cz.futbik.org/

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *