Apple — the most valuable company on the planet, worth in excess $3.7 trillion — has announced an investment of more than £18 billion in the United Kingdom over the past five years. The Californian company confirmed that its UK engineering teams have doubled in size since 2019, reflecting its growing presence in the country since the launch of the iPhone 11.
Apple’s UK engineering teams, spread across London, Cambridge, and other locations, are working on crucial technologies, including the upcoming launch of Apple Intelligence, and Private Cloud Compute, to name a few.
The US firm, known for bestselling gadgets like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, says it now supports 550,000 jobs in the UK, either through direct employment, its retail stores, supply chain, or the expansive network of developers who create software to distribute via the App Store.
There’s nothing like London during the holidays. It was great to meet with Slow Horses star, Jack Lowden, to tell him how excited we are for season 5 on Apple TV+! pic.twitter.com/soFlPbBPQf
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 10, 2024
CEO Tim Cook said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for more than 40 years, and we’re proud of our deep connection with communities across this country. We’re thrilled to be growing our Apple teams here, and to keep supporting the extraordinary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of technology in so many ways.”
And it’s not only gadgets that have pushed the iPhone manufacturer to invest in the UK, with production for its Apple TV+ original series and films tripling in the last two years alone, supporting jobs in the creative industry. Tim Cook posted a photograph with Slow Horses star — and rumoured candidate for the next James Bond — Jack Lowden during a recent trip to London.
The series, based on Slough House novels by British writer Mick Herron, has been nominated for Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys, Royal Television Society, and BAFTAs, and also stars Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jonathan Pryce.
The rapid growth of Apple TV+, which costs £8.99 a month — but is often included for three-months as a free gift with the purchase of an Apple device, has also had a ripple effect across multiple sectors, with hundreds of supplier contracts spanning construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and technical services across the UK.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… at London’s Battersea Power Station, thanks to Wallace & Gromit! The beloved duo decorated Apple’s Christmas trees, which will light up every night until New Year’s Eve. The charming short animation was #ShotOniPhone. Happy holidays! pic.twitter.com/QdEPORCBnO
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) December 1, 2024
Discussing the investment from the Californian giant, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “This government is laser-focused on creating the right conditions for growth to help put more money in people’s pockets.
“That’s what underpins the Plan for Change and is what has driven £63 billion worth of inward investment in the UK through our first international investment summit. Companies like Apple are intrinsic to the success of our nation’s prosperity – helping deliver jobs, innovative technology, and boost infrastructure.”
Apple maintains a strong retail presence with 40 stores across the country, including flagship locations on London’s Regent Street and Brompton Road. These stores serve as support hubs for customers with trouble as well as showcase destinations for Apple’s products and services, with multiple free classes throughout the day to learn how to use the devices.
The most recent Apple Store to launch across the UK is located in Belfast, pictured above
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Since the launch of the App Store, UK developers have earned nearly £9 billion from selling digital goods and services, Apple says.
Apple has strengthened its commitment to education through partnerships with organisations like The King’s Trust, helping students develop STEAM skills across the country. The King’s Trust CEO Jonathan Townsend said: “Our education work with Apple is a fantastic example of how we’re empowering young people to raise their aspirations, develop their skills and realise their potential.”
The partnership includes coding resources for youth aged 11-20 and technology support for at-risk young people aged 16-25 through a 12-week development programme. Local community organisations like Caius House in Battersea also benefit from Apple’s support with digital skills training.