Apple CEO Tim Cook visited an Apple Watch manufacturing facility operated by Luxshare-ICT in China. He was given a tour of the production line by Luxshare chairman Wang Laichun on October 18th. The factory located in Jiashan, Zhejiang province is a key production site for Apple Watch models.
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Luxshare-ICT noted they have tripled iPhone production over the past year, manufacturing three models in the new iPhone 15 lineup. Luxshare also preparing to build Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. Check out Gizmoweek’s Vision Pro Experience.
The visit offered rare access for tech media to see Apple’s watch manufacturing. Automation and intelligence were visible across the production processes, including AI-powered image scans for quality control and proprietary inkjet printing to replace plastic logo stickers.
As Apple’s first carbon neutral product, the Apple Watch production emphasizes sustainability. Luxshare showed off initiatives like on-site solar generation and smaller packaging to cut carbon emissions from transportation.
Cook expressed excitement, especially during interactions with production line managers. He witnessed training programs developed jointly by Apple and suppliers to upskill workers for career advancement. Cook praised this as demonstrating the power of investing in education.
For Apple, sustainability and education aren’t just talking points but central pillars put into practice. The company calls on partners to uphold the same values across its supply chain.
In a statement, Cook said “We have been partnering with Luxshare for over a decade, and they are now making some of our most advanced products including the carbon neutral Apple Watch and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Luxshare will also become carbon neutral for Apple production by 2030. Thank you for sharing our commitment to protecting the planet.”
The visit reinforces Apple’s collaborative approach with suppliers to keep raising manufacturing standards. As Luxshare takes on more critical production like Apple Watch and Vision Pro headsets, ensuring alignment on priorities like sustainability and labor practices remains key.
