Tim Cook Receives Custom Labubu Figure During Shanghai iPhone Air Promotion

Apple CEO Tim Cook is in Shanghai, China this week. His visit celebrates the upcoming launch of the iPhone Air. Cook met with Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning and artist Kasing Lung.

The meeting highlighted Apple’s deep connections in the Chinese market. Cook shared details of the encounter on the social media platform Weibo.

A Unique Gift for the Apple CEO

Kasing Lung is the creator of the wildly popular Labubu character. He demonstrated his creative process for Cook. He sketched his characters using an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

Lung then presented Cook with a one-of-a-kind gift. It was a custom Labubu figure modeled after the Apple CEO. The figure features white fur, glasses, and a tiny iPhone 17.

Cook expressed his delight with the present. He noted that Labubu now has her own new iPhone 17 Pro. The meeting was a significant cultural moment for brand collaboration.

Strengthening Ties in a Key Market

Cook’s itinerary in Shanghai was packed with strategic engagements. He visited the Apple Pudong retail store to connect with customers. He also met with the team from Lilith Games, developers of AFK Journey.

Another stop involved a visit with singer Wang Feifei. Her new music video was filmed entirely on an iPhone 17 Pro. This showcases the device’s professional-grade camera capabilities.

The iPhone Air preorders begin in China on October 17. Its launch follows on October 22. According to Reuters, the device’s thin, 5.6mm design necessitated a shift to eSIM technology for the Chinese market. This marks a first for Apple in the region.

The exchange of the custom Tim Cook Labubu figure underscores the importance of cultural partnerships. This strategic visit aims to build excitement for the new iPhone Air ahead of its critical launch.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Kasing Lung?

Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong-based illustrator and designer. He is the creator of The Monsters brand, which includes the globally recognized Labubu character. His artwork is known for its distinctive, playful style.

What is the iPhone Air?

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever at just 5.6mm. It is set to launch in China later this month. A key feature is its use of eSIM technology instead of a physical SIM card slot.

Why was the iPhone Air delayed in China?

The launch was delayed as Apple needed regulatory approval. This was specifically for an iPhone model that operates solely on an eSIM. Chinese carriers previously required physical SIM slots.

What other activities did Tim Cook do in Shanghai?

Beyond the Pop Mart meeting, Cook visited an Apple Store and met with a mobile game developer. He also visited the set of a music video filmed with an iPhone 17 Pro. The trip was a multi-faceted promotional tour.

Is the custom Tim Cook Labubu for sale?

No, the Labubu figure gifted to Tim Cook is a one-of-a-kind custom piece. It was created specifically for him by artist Kasing Lung. There are no current plans for a commercial release.