3 ms·

It's a fair question, but I think the answer is no: the questions are not the same. As much as Apple wants access to the Chinese market, it would (presumably)

by biztos 5y ago

It's a fair question, but I think the answer is no: the questions are not the same. As much as Apple wants access to the Chinese market, it would (presumably) draw a line at some point where it would (presumably) have to choose between that market and the US market, if only because the latter is both its legal domicile and the source of most of its talent. Version A: CCP wants to exploit the hash database, there are lots of ways to do that, bullying Apple is one, any other way gives Apple a "we are looking into it" excuse. "We must comply with local laws, but we will not change our software bla bla." Version B: CCP wants to exploit iOS, only way to do it is to bully Apple, this forces Apple's hand and very possibly Apple moves production (not just sales) out of China because they no longer trust they will be offered "plausible deniability." I'm sure there are lots of reasons for that absurd cash reserve, but my best guess is it's to cover the eventuality of B. above; Apple talking about that publicly would be tricky. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/30/apple-q3-cash-hoard-heres-how-much-apple-has-on-hand.html https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/30/apple-q3-cash-hoard-heres-ho...

FabHK 5y ago
> very possibly Apple moves production (not just sales) out of China As a matter of fact, I am not sure that would be possible: It might well be that no other country has the capacity (machines and labour) to churn out that many iPhones. Would be interesting to hear if anyone has insight on that. (Tim Cook presumably knows...)
- biztos 5y ago
  This has been Apple's line for quite a while, but over the last ten years I can't believe Mr Cook has not come up with a Plan B, given that the volatility in US-China relations is much more likely to affect iPhones than most other Walmart goods. I admit it's total speculation, but I think the massive cash reserves are for that: to weather a disruption in production facilities and move production to a more US-friendly location.

by biztos 5y ago

FabHK 5y ago

> very possibly Apple moves production (not just sales) out of China As a matter of fact, I am not sure that would be possible: It might well be that no other country has the capacity (machines and labour) to churn out that many iPhones. Would be interesting to hear if anyone has insight on that. (Tim Cook presumably knows...)

biztos 5y ago
This has been Apple's line for quite a while, but over the last ten years I can't believe Mr Cook has not come up with a Plan B, given that the volatility in US-China relations is much more likely to affect iPhones than most other Walmart goods. I admit it's total speculation, but I think the massive cash reserves are for that: to weather a disruption in production facilities and move production to a more US-friendly location.