Excitement built in Shanghai this week as Apple CEO Tim Cook made a surprise appearance at a Pop Mart exhibition celebrating its hit designer toy, Labubu. His visit was more than ceremonial, signaling the meeting of global consumer technology and viral art collectibles. Cook received a unique Labubu figurine modeled after himself, underscoring the growing relationship between influential technology leaders and popular toy brands. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, especially as both Pop Mart and Apple are pushing their boundaries in the Chinese market.
Recent coverage on Pop Mart has centered on the company’s rapid rise in the designer toy sector, especially due to Labubu’s international appeal and collaborations with celebrities. Previous reports highlighted fluctuating market performance and strategic brand partnerships, but did not spotlight the convergence between Apple and Pop Mart at a high-profile event. Earlier news also touched upon Pop Mart’s comparisons to Disney, though recent developments indicate a more pronounced tie-in with technology and cross-industry synergy.
What Drew Tim Cook to the Labubu Exhibition?
Tim Cook attended the Shanghai exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of “The Monsters,” a series by artist Kasing Lung that inspired the Labubu figures. Joined by Pop Mart founder and CEO Wang Ning, Cook was gifted a personalized Labubu doll, holding a miniature iPhone. The event showcased how digital creative tools such as the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil help artists bring characters like Labubu to life, demonstrating a shared interest in art and technology between Apple and Pop Mart.
How Did the Visit Impact Pop Mart’s Business?
Pop Mart’s shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange surged approximately 11.6 percent within four trading days following Cook’s visit. The rebound followed a temporary decline and was fueled by renewed consumer enthusiasm and positive coverage of the Labubu exhibition. This growth comes after Pop Mart announced a year-over-year profit increase exceeding 400 percent, mainly attributed to the ongoing popularity of the Labubu toy line.
What Are the Broader Implications for Both Brands?
Apple’s engagement in China suggests ongoing interest in one of its core global markets, despite increased manufacturing activity in India and a dip in China’s revenue share to 17 percent of global figures. Pop Mart, meanwhile, benefits from the attention as it prepares for the holiday shopping period, with analysts raising its stock projections and highlighting robust sales prospects. The incident also sheds light on Pop Mart’s ambition to emulate global entertainment leaders.
During the event, Cook referred light-heartedly to the figurine’s miniature phone as an “iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange,” just as Apple opened pre-orders for its new iPhone Air in China. This moment, combined with the exhibition’s spotlight on creative tools, emphasized the cooperative focus on design, emotional storytelling, and consumer engagement. In addition, Cook visited other creative leaders in Shanghai, such as Lilith Games (AFK Arena), reinforcing Apple’s investment in China’s digital ecosystem.
Analysts compare Pop Mart’s efforts to those of Disney, especially as executives openly discuss learning from the entertainment giant’s strategies for nurturing intellectual property.
“We have learned from Disney for a long time…Disney’s great value lies in its ability to operate IP over the long-term, even up to 100 years,”
said Si De, Pop Mart’s executive director. Despite its relative youth in the entertainment sphere, Pop Mart continues to expand its presence globally—with Labubu as its lead character, even as questions remain on how long the brand will sustain its appeal.
The growing connection between Apple and Pop Mart highlights the merging of consumer electronics and collectible art, especially within key markets like China. With Labubu already becoming a sensation among collectors and Apple ramping up local engagement, both companies exhibit the power of emotional branding and cultural resonance. This relationship can serve as a model for how creative collaboration and cross-promotion support long-term relevance. For those involved in consumer, tech, or design sectors, tracking how digital creativity tools, iconic products, and strategic partnerships drive brand growth provides valuable lessons in today’s market environment.
- Pop Mart’s shares surged after Tim Cook attended Labubu’s Shanghai exhibition.
- Apple and Pop Mart showcased creative and strategic alignment during the event.
- Analysts see Pop Mart emulating Disney’s approach to building global IP.
