Apple will open its second research and development center in China in the southern city of Shenzhen, the technology giant said on Oct. 13, as it seeks to improve sales in the crucial market.
Apple announced in August a similar facility would be built in Beijing.
Situated close to the border with Hong Kong "Shenzhen is an incredibly dynamic city... we are impatient to open a new research and development center next year," Apple said.
Apple has seen its market share eroded in China's booming smartphone market this year, beaten out by rising Chinese firms -- market leader Huawei and three companies little known elsewhere, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi.
Apple has also struggled with the country's Communist authorities, despite regular visits from chief executive Tim Cook.
Apple's iTunes Movies and iBooks services were launched in China last year, but were then promptly blocked by Beijing.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2016
