Does China Own Apple? With Patrick McGee

In this episode, Steve Eisman delves into the intricate and often overlooked story of Apple’s manufacturing evolution over the past two decades, focusing on its deep entanglement with China. Steve interviews Patrick McGee, author of ‘Apple in China,’ unraveling how Apple moved its production almost entirely to China by the end of 2010. The discussion explores Apple’s transition from localized production to heavily outsourcing manufacturing, the role of suppliers in driving these changes, and the geopolitical ramifications of Apple’s deep ties with China. The conversation highlights Tim Cook’s key role in this shift, the innovative prowess of Chinese manufacturers, and the operational challenges Apple faces in diversifying production away from China. The episode underscores the complex relationship between Apple and China, shedding light on the broader implications for U.S.-China relations and how the company’s reliance on China poses significant risks.