Apple will open a second R&D centre in China with a new location in the southern city of Shenzhen.

The centre will look to attract developers from the local area to work on new projects for the China market. It will also be used to strengthen relationships with universities and partners in the country.

It is the second R&D centre being opened by Apple in China following the announcement of a similar centre in Beijing. The Beijing centre will cost $45 million and employ around 500 staff.

Working together

"We are excited to be opening a new Research and Development center here next year so our engineering team can work even more closely and collaboratively with our manufacturing partners," said Apple spokesman Josh Rosenstock.

"The Shenzhen centre, along with the Beijing center, is also aimed at strengthening relationships with local partners and universities as we work to support talent development across the country."

Apple isn't just opening centres in China – it recently opened its App Development Centre in Naples, which offers a free nine-month course in developing for iOS.

It also revealed plans to build an enormous campus at Battersea Power Station in London once its renovation is complete.

[Source: Reuters]