Hello everyone. Welcome to a new week. Today’s update (Monday, March 6th) kicks off with Neil’s thoughts on Apple investing another $1B in Germany. The update then turns to the iPhone, which continues to see higher sales share around the world. We look at the factors behind the iPhone’s momentum. In particular, we address the idea of the iPhone seeing inroads with younger demographics outside the U.S. and the role Apple’s brand has with giving the company an advantage over its competitors.

Let's jump right with a news item from Apple.

Apple Invests Another $1B in Germany

In a press release issued late Thursday, here’s Apple:

“Apple today announced it will invest an additional 1 billion euros in German engineering over the next six years as part of its Silicon Design Centre expansion in central Munich. This is on top of the company’s previous 1 billion euro investment commitment from 2021, when Apple established Munich as the headquarters to its new European Silicon Design Centre. Munich is already Apple’s largest engineering hub in Europe, and the engineering teams there are integral to the new innovations that delight Apple customers around the globe.

‘Our Munich engineering teams are on the cutting edge of innovation, helping imagine new technologies at the heart of the products we make,’ said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. ‘Apple has been in Munich for more than 40 years, and we’ve never been more excited about what the future holds here.’

Building on Apple’s longstanding presence in Germany and growing investments across Europe, the company will design and construct a state-of-the-art research facility at Seidlstrasse. With significant lab space, cutting-edge design, and a central location, the space will enable Apple’s R&D teams to come together in new ways, enhancing collaboration and innovation.”

Apple released the following drawing of where the new buildings will be located in Munich.

The building names are based on the street names. Karlstrasse is part of Apple’s initial $1B investment announced in early 2021. Seidlstrasse, Denisstrasse, and Marsstrasse represent new buildings that will comprise Apple's hub.

Europe / Israel continues to be a major source of hardware and related technologies R&D for Apple.

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