Apple R&D Centers: Apple Shanghai Move Confirmed for 2013

Apple R&D Centers: Last week, we brought you news about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) moving its headquarters in Japan. You can read the full story here. On the heels of this story, it has been confirmed that the company will be opening a new research and development center in Shanghai China.

When the summer of 2013 finally rolls around, you can expect that Apple will have a new R&D facility up and running in Pudong, Shanghai.

This news was broke by the news section of China Business News. At this time, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has registered three buildings in the city. These registrations have been filed with the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce, making it official.

It was once thought that Apple would be moving this portion of its company to Beijing. However, things quickly changed and the company now has its focus on Pudong.

Here is additional information from AppleInsider:

“Earlier rumors had pegged Beijing as the location for a new Apple R&D center, though those soon gave way to reports that Apple would target the Pudong economic development zone.”

“Previous reports on the R&D center held that Apple has been laying out the project for the past six or seven years, aiming to take up residence in the space this summer. The center’s exterior is reportedly complete, though its interior has yet to be decorated. Annual rent for the facility is estimated at 50 million yuan, or more than $8 million.”

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has said time and time again that China is one of the major growth areas for the company in the near future. In fact, he has spent quite a bit of time in China during the first month of the year.

The question remains: is China the country where Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) should be focusing so much attention?