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:
- Removed politically sensitive apps (e.g., those covering Hong Kong protest mapping).
- Relocated iCloud data storage to China, leading to privacy concerns.
- 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.