What you need to know
- Apple is investing more than 1 billion euros in Germany.
- The move includes the building of a new European Silicon Design Center.
- It will focus on 5G and future wireless technologies.
Apple has today announced it is investing over a billion euros in Germany, in a move that will include a new European Silicon Design Center for the development of 5G.
Germany is already Apple's biggest engineering hub in Europe and has helped Apple develop technologies for iPhone 12 and the M1 Apple silicon chip. In a press release the company stated:
Apple will make Munich its European Silicon Design Center, adding hundreds of new employees and a new state-of-the-art facility focused on connectivity and wireless technologies. Munich is already Apple's largest engineering hub in Europe, with close to 1,500 engineers from 40 countries working in a variety of areas including power management design, application processors, and wireless technologies. Their work is contributing to Apple's custom silicon designs with industry-leading performance, powerful features, and incredible efficiency. The expansion in Munich, together with additional investment in R&D, will exceed 1 billion euros in the next three years alone.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said he "couldn't be more excited" about the move, which includes the building of a new R&D site for mobile wireless semiconductors and software (pictured):
The new facility will be home to Apple's growing cellular unit, and Europe's largest R&D site for mobile wireless semiconductors and software. The team is creating 5G and future technologies, bringing innovation to all aspects of the wireless experience through the seamless integration of hardware and software engineering. Teams also focus on developing, integrating, and optimising wireless modems for Apple products. Apple's site in Linz, Austria, is driving new radio technologies. The new, 30,000-square-meter facility is located in central Munich's Karlstrasse. The architecture and gardens highlight local materials reflecting Munich as a city that combines heritage, humanity, and innovation. Apple plans to start moving into the new building in late 2022, and it will have LEED Gold certification from day one. Like all Apple offices globally, it will run entirely on 100 percent renewable energy. Across Germany, Apple now has over 4,000 team members in a range of roles, including retail, engineering, and operations.
Apple says in the last five years it has invested over 15 billion euros into more than 700 companies in Germany. Apple plans to move into its new building in Munich towards the end of next year. You can read the full release here.
