Tim Cook $18 billion UK investment, half a million jobs

As he visits Apple Stores in London, Tim Cook says the company is continuing to expand on its more than $18 billion investment in the country, and how it has doubled its engineering teams there.

On his return trip from China, Apple CEO Tim Cook has been in London, visiting the city's Apple Covent Garden store. He saw a performance by musician Jamie Cullum, and also drank a pint with "Slow Horses" star and Golden Globe nominee Jack Lowden.

"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," said Cook in a statement about Apple's investment in the UK. "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."

Loved spending time with our retail team and customers today at Apple Covent Garden! Special thanks to the marvelous @jamiecullum for treating us all to an unforgettable performance! pic.twitter.com/u5QJJz2lO0
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 10, 2024

Apple has also highlighted how the company now supports a claimed 550,000 jobs in the UK. Those include direct employment, plus Apple's supply chain, and iOS developers, and also creative industry jobs prompted by Apple TV+ production.

UK developers have reported earned almost $9 billion in revenue since the App Store opened in 2008. And Apple TV+ production has tripled in the last two years.

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

Apple's UK education programs

Apple says that it has partnered with the UK's The King's Trust since 2019, to expand STEAM programming teaching across the country. A 12-week programme also gets at-risk young people access to learning resources and Apple technology.

The company's UK headquarters at the old Battersea Power Station is also the center for an education program. That includes working with Caius House, an organization for local youth and young adults, where Apple has donated iPads and MacBooks.