During this visit, Apple and Goertek not only demonstrated the progress of their cooperation in the field of smart manufacturing, but Apple's COO also announced Apple's new investment plan in the field of clean energy in China.

Since its first cooperation with Apple in the field of microphones in 2010, Goertek has participated in the production of dozens of Apple products, covering the research and development and assembly of core components such as microphones, speakers, optical components, AirPods, HomePod, etc. At present, Goertek Weifang Optoelectronics Park Phase II has nearly 20,000 employees, becoming an important intelligent manufacturing base in Apple's global supply chain.

In the iPhone 16e speaker production workshop, Jeff Williams learned in detail about Goertek's breakthroughs in automation and artificial intelligence technologies.

For example, solder ball laser welding technology can significantly shorten equipment downtime for maintenance by optimizing nozzle materials and developing online replacement modules; and the independently developed voice coil winding machine can accurately wind hair-thin enameled wire into voice coils at high temperature and high speed, greatly improving product yield.

Jiang Bin said: "The collaborative innovation between Apple and Goertek in process research and development is the key to improving production line utilization."

The IT Home report further noted that the mold center showcases the cooperation results of the two parties in the field of precision manufacturing. In order to meet the high-quality requirements of the white high-gloss surface of AirPods, Goertek combines mold technology with injection molding technology to achieve zero-defect production. In addition, the injection molding parts of the HomePod series use 80% recycled materials, reflecting the core concept of green manufacturing.

On another point, Goertek has achieved 100% renewable energy production for Apple since 2023, becoming a benchmark company in the green supply chain. Apple data shows that currently about two-thirds of Apple product production in China is driven by renewable energy, with more than 100 suppliers involved.

Lastly, Apple attaches great importance to the skills improvement of supply chain employees. They said that since 2008, Apple has provided Goertek with training resources through the "Supplier Employee Development Fund", covering automation technology, production line management, health education and other fields.