Apple Plans to Invest 20 Billion Euros in European Suppliers for 2022

Apple: 20 billion euros for European suppliers in 2022

Apple’s Contribution to the European Economy

Technology giant Apple has revealed that it has increased spending on its European suppliers by over 50% since 2018. Last year alone, the company invested more than €20bn in European suppliers, taking the total spend to over €85bn in the past five years. Apple has more than 4,000 suppliers in Europe alone but usually provides limited insight into its supply chain. However, the firm has singled out several European companies as examples, including Trumpf, which is based near Stuttgart and supplies a small laser that is used as a proximity sensor in the iPhone.

Support for Clean Energy Program

Apple says this spending on suppliers and the market for iOS apps now contributes to over 2.6 million jobs in Europe. The company also emphasised that many European suppliers have joined the “Clean Energy Program”, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The announcement comes as Europe is becoming Apple’s second-largest market after the US. However, the firm is facing increased regulatory scrutiny in Europe, including new requirements for iOS, such as opening up alternative app stores and sideloading.

Cooperation in Further Laser Technology Development

As part of its commitment to European suppliers, Apple has cited semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics, which it has been working with, and its partnership with Trumpf, which has already produced over a billion of the lasers used as proximity sensors in iPhones. Apple and Trumpf continue to cooperate in the further development of laser technology. Overall, Apple’s investment in its European supply chain highlights the significant role that the continent plays in the company’s global operations.

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