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CEO Tim Cook Finally Explains Why Apple Released a Gold iPhone

Published Jun 22nd, 2015 12:20PM EDT
Tim Cook Interview

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Many people scratched their heads when rumors first emerged that Apple planned to launch a gold iPhone in addition to its standard silver and gray/black colors. Gold jewelry had been making a comeback, of course, but the color choice seemed gaudy for an iPhone.

In some markets, that was indeed the case and the new iPhone was considered a bit gaudy in gold. But Apple CEO Tim Cook has finally explained why Apple decided to start making gold iPhones, and the decision appears to have been the correct one.

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There’s really only one word you need to know: China.

In an interview with the Chinese-language version of Bloomberg Businessweek, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that China played a huge role in Apple’s decision to introduce a gold iPhone. The gold color is considered lucky in China and is hugely popular in the greater China region, which is now Apple’s second largest market for iPhone sales.

Following the success of the gold iPhone, Apple has also introduced gold versions of its iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch. Of note, the gold Apple Watch Edition model costs as much as $20,000 in China, but preorders sold out in just minutes.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.