
On 13 October 2025, Apple CEO Tim Cook descended upon Shanghai's bustling Bund for Pop Mart's Labubu exhibition, receiving a bespoke doll that fused tech fandom with collectible craze and propelled shares skyward.
This 10th anniversary bash, where Cook mingled with founder Wang Ning and designer Kasing Lung, amplified viral hype just as iPhone Air pre-orders loomed in China. Amid Pop Mart's tripled valuation and whispers of collaborations, the visit underscores Apple's strategic charm in the £33.38 billion ($44.98 billion) toymaker's orbit, blending innovation with cultural icons ahead of the slimmer smartphone's regional splash.