Apple(US:AAPL) Benzingaยท2025-10-20 04:39Core Insights - Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook praised Chinese app developers for their crucial role in the company's innovation ecosystem, describing their output as "jaw dropping" and emphasizing their importance in storytelling, graphics, and creativity [2][3] Group 1: Chinese App Developers - Cook highlighted the "vibrant and dynamic" nature of the developer economy in China, reflecting the country's overall pace of development [2] - He stated that Chinese app developers are "hugely important" to Apple's innovation ecosystem, contributing significantly to global demand for Chinese games and cultural apps [2][3] Group 2: Apple's Global Strategy - Cook discussed Apple's plans to support Chinese app developers in expanding globally, noting the App Store's presence in 175 markets and the provision of various developer frameworks and tools [3] - The company is actively strengthening its ties with China, with Cook pledging to increase investments in the country despite potential tariff threats [3] Group 3: Financial Performance - Apple's App Store has been a significant growth driver, reporting a 10% revenue increase in the September quarter, attributed to a shift in revenue mix and stronger monetization [4] - The recent success in China indicates Apple's renewed competitiveness in the region, posing challenges for rivals like Xiaomi Corp [4] Group 4: Economic Context - China's economy experienced a slowdown in the third quarter, with GDP growth falling to 4.8% from 5.2%, influenced by trade tensions and weakening domestic demand, although exports remained resilient [5]