Former Apple Boss Tours China a Month After Stepping Down

Tim Cook remains busy despite no longer serving as Apple’s CEO since 1 September 2026. He has been in China to attend several engagements.

One of these was a meeting with Guangdong Governor Meng Fanli. Cook said Apple was ready to expand its presence in the province, including by upgrading smart manufacturing and developing its sales channels.

Meng responded that the provincial government welcomed the company’s expanded presence and wanted to create a first-class business environment, Apple Insider reported on Friday (16 October 2026.

Guangdong is an important location for Apple. The province, known as a manufacturing hub, is also home to a number of the company’s suppliers and partners.

During his trip, Cook also visited an Apple Store in Guangzhou. He watched local content creators film a martial arts video using an iPhone 18 Pro.

This was Cook’s third visit to China in 2026. He previously travelled to the country in March for Apple’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

On that occasion, he visited Apple Stores in Chengdu and Beijing and spoke at the China Development Forum.

Cook also travelled to China in May as part of a US technology and business delegation attending a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Cook officially stepped down as Apple CEO on 1 September 2026, after 15 years at the helm of the Cupertino-based US company.

He nonetheless retains a crucial role within the company. For the past two months, he has served as executive chairman, focusing on global political affairs and public policy.