Apple allegedly eyes 1,500-employee office space in Munich

By

thekarl
The Karl has been designed by Chipperfield Architects.
Photo: Chipperfield Architects

Apple might be preparing to make a big expansion into Germany, based on the latest real estate rumors leaking out of the country.

According to a recent report, construction on the “Karl” office building in Munich is set to be completed in 2021. Currently, no tech company has publicly stated it will move into the building, which could house as many as 1,500 employees. However, strong hints point toward Apple as the upcoming occupant.

After making expansion plans in several U.S. metropolitan areas, it appears Apple is ready to stake out space in one of Europe’s hottest job markets. The company already employs about 300 engineers at the Bavarian Design Center in Munich. With new offices ready to open in 2021, the iPhone-maker would find itself in closer competition with Amazon and Microsoft. Both those tech rivals maintain headquarters in the city.

Apple planning expansion in Germany?

Süddeutsche Zeitung reported this week that Apple rented out all of the office space at the Karl building, according to several Munich property experts. An official confirmation from Apple hasn’t been given yet. However, all signs point to a serious expansion of Apple’s presence in the area.

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the area during Oktoberfest in 2019. Remarking on Munich’s talent pool,
Cook said, “You can employ a team that we could not put together in another place in the world.”

It remains unclear if Apple would move employees working at the Bavarian Design Center into the new offices in 2021. Apple currently lists over 60 job openings in the area. One current theory is that the company plans to consolidate all of the 5G modem engineers it scooped up in the recent Intel deal and have them work under one roof.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.