Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook met with executives of Chinese streaming company iQIYI in Beijing on Wednesday to see how its app has been adapted for the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo, as Apple works with local developers ahead of the phone's release.
Nasdaq-listed iQIYI, which produces original dramas and variety shows for its streaming platform, showed Cook how its app adjusts the video display and playback controls when the phone is opened or partly folded.
The demonstration came during Cook's third visit to China this year, ahead of the Duo's Oct. 23 release.
Speaking to China Global Television Network (CGTN), Cook described how Apple was working with developers to help them adapt their apps to the phone's changing screen layout.
"We've been working with some developers, like as you saw today, for a while now, because we announced some number of weeks ago, and they've been hard at it. We've released a number of APIs. We're working with the Shanghai Developer Center in terms of really working with a number of developers and optimizing some of the things you saw today, like laptop mode and some of the others, take advantage of all the orientations that the product goes in. And so the apps are extremely important to us, and we're helping hand in hand. They play a critical role in that process, and as you saw today, they're very innovative. We are so proud to be working with them," Cook said.
Cook also pointed to China's role in manufacturing the phone and its market for foldable devices.
"As you know, the Duo is manufactured exclusively in China, and China's market for foldable is second to none. And so we couldn't be prouder to launch the Duo product," he said.
For iQIYI, adapting its streaming app is part of a push to improve the viewing experience as new devices change how people watch video, said Gong Yu, founder and CEO of iQIYI .
"We place huge emphasis on innovative communication and entertainment terminals. That's exactly why our collaboration with the iPhone Duo, and the close coordination between our two teams, really demonstrates our direction. Our goal is to deliver the ultimate audio-visual experience for our users," Gong said.
Gong also said AI is helping iQIYI produce and distribute content more efficiently, including for audiences outside China.
"China leads globally in both AI and online video streaming business models. Being a leader in both areas gives us a distinct head start. It allows us to leverage AI across the board -- from content production and design to distribution and monetization. The synergy between hardware innovation and AI application creates a win-win effect, unlocking even greater value potential. For the film and TV industry, the biggest impact of AI is lowering the barriers and costs of production. It significantly reduces obstacles across languages and cultures at a much lower cost. This is a massive help for companies like iQIYI as we go global and expand into international markets," Gong said.
Apple's Cook meets iQIYI executives ahead of foldable iPhone launch
