Apple has come under fire in Europe and elsewhere for requiring all app downloads on the iPhone go through its official App Store. Cook’s first trip to Japan in three years was likely intended to prevent similar arguments from gaining momentum in Japan.
Cook met with Kishida in Tokyo on Dec. 15 as part of a whirlwind tour of Japan. He outlined how Apple invested more than $100 billion in Japanese supply chains in the last five years, and stressed the company’s continued focus on the country… He urged Kishida to ensure that regulations regarding app distribution do not undermine the privacy and security of its users.
Cook told reporters after the meeting that he thought the prime minister was satisfied with Apple’s investment in Japan.