Expert opinion voiced at big data expo

Ge said Apple has already recruited over 1,000 people to its four research and development centers in China as part of the United States tech giant's broader push to better leverage local talent to grow its business.

This marks the first time Apple has disclosed updates to its R&D centers in China since the company announced its plan to build R&D facilities in Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Suzhou more than two years ago.

"We are continuing to grow the scale of the four (centers) in China and welcome more talent to join us," Ge said.