Where In The World Will Apple CEO Tim Cook Be Next Week?

It's no secret that China is very important to Apple, and to CEO Tim Cook, who has visited the world's most populous nation numerous times in recent years. Next week, Apple is holding two "special events." The first will be held on Apple's Cupertino, Calif. campus at 10 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The second event starts just nine hours later in Beijing, China at 10 a.m. CST. This raises the question; which event will Tim Cook attend next week? Before you answer, consider that the shortest commercial flight between San Francisco and Beijing is just under 12 hours. A private flight might be able to slice off some of that time. Probably not enough, however, to make a difference. In other words, Cook can't be at both events. Here are some reasons for (and against) Cook being in China and Cupertino next week: China For: Apple is likely to announce its first "budget" iPhone next week, due in large part to compete in China. Did we mention that China is now the world's largest consumer market in the world? Or that China Mobile, which may finally start carrying the iPhone, is the largest carrier in the world? Against: The so-called "iPhone 5C" will have already been announced in Cupertino before the start of this event. Apple campus For: Apple is based in Cupertino, pure and simple. And this event will be held first, so there shouldn't be any major secrets left to spill in China. Against: Cook has traditionally served as a master of ceremonies at these events, not as its star like Steve Jobs did. Besides, what if the iPhone 5C is only for China? Personally, I'd be very surprised to see Cook absent from the stage on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PDT. However, anything is possible. What say you? Which event should Tim Cook attend next week? Note: Apple will also be holding "satellite" events in Tokyo, Japan and Berlin, Germany next week. Photo: iMore

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