Tim Cook says Apple made decision to remove Hong Kong protest app “unilaterally”

Apple CEO talks about business in China during a visit from Donald Trump to new Texas facility

The CEO of Apple says the company hasn't been pressured by China amid concerns that it's been giving in to demands from Chinese authorities.

Apple came under fire recently for removing a map app that tracks protests and police in Hong Kong. It originally approved the app, but reversed the decision after Chinese state media accused Apple of "hurting the feelings of consumers."

Speaking with ABC News on Wednesday, Cook said the decision was made "unilaterally" and "for safety." He said he prays "for everyone's safety" in Hong Kong and more broadly for dialogue, because "good people coming together can decide ways forward."

Tim Cook also said Apple has never been asked by Chinese authorities to hack into phones. In contrast, the company resisted a US court order in 2016 to help the FBI break into the iPhone of a gunman.

Cook made these remarks during a visit with US President Donald Trump at Apple's new facility in Texas on Wednesday. The company plans to make new Mac Pro computers there after the US government approved Apple's request for a tariff waiver on some Chinese-made components. Cook said there are no plans to assemble iPhones in the US.

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