By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Patrick McGee's "Apple in China" is an incisive and meticulously researched exposé that delves into the intricate and often troubling relationship between Apple Inc. and the People's Republic of China. Drawing from over 200 interviews with former Apple executives and engineers, McGee presents a narrative that is both compelling and unsettling, shedding light on how Apple's strategic decisions have not only propelled its own success but also inadvertently bolstered China's technological ascendancy.

The book meticulously traces Apple's journey from the brink of bankruptcy in the late 1990s to its current status as a global behemoth. Central to this transformation was the company's decision to outsource manufacturing to China, lured by the promise of affordable labor and unparalleled scalability. McGee's account reveals how this move, while financially advantageous, entangled Apple in a complex web of geopolitical and ethical challenges. The narrative is enriched by detailed accounts of key figures, such as the "Gang of Eight" executives tasked with navigating the treacherous waters of Chinese politics and business practices.

One of the book's most striking revelations is the sheer scale of Apple's investment in China. McGee reports that under CEO Tim Cook, Apple invested a staggering $275 billion over five years starting in 2016—a sum that, when adjusted for inflation, surpasses the Marshall Plan. This colossal investment not only solidified China's position as a manufacturing powerhouse but also rendered Apple increasingly susceptible to the whims of an authoritarian regime. The author compellingly argues that "China wouldn’t be China today without Apple," underscoring the profound impact of this corporate partnership.

McGee does not shy away from exposing the darker facets of this alliance. He details how Apple's reliance on Chinese manufacturing has led to ethical compromises, including acquiescence to censorship demands and the storage of Chinese user data in state-controlled data centers. The book also highlights the human cost, with accounts of labor abuses and the suppression of workers' rights within Apple's supply chain. These revelations are not merely anecdotal but are substantiated by a wealth of internal documents and firsthand testimonies, painting a damning portrait of a company that once prided itself on thinking differently.

Critics have lauded "Apple in China" for its depth and clarity. Hannah Beech of The New York Times describes it as a "smart and comprehensive" work that offers a "clever and chronologically organized timeline" of Apple's entanglement with China. Tom Knowles of The Daily Telegraph awards the book four out of five stars, calling it an "eye-opening exposé" of a "lucrative relationship stained by manipulation, violence, and abuse." These endorsements underscore the book's significance as both a historical account and a cautionary tale.

In conclusion, "Apple in China" is a masterful piece of investigative journalism that holds a mirror up to the tech industry's complicity in enabling authoritarian regimes. McGee's meticulous research and compelling narrative make it an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, business, and geopolitics. The book serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of profit, when divorced from ethical considerations, can lead to unintended and often perilous consequences.

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/29/2025