Reports from local French newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré (via iPhone.fr) claim Apple has signed contracts to open a new R&D lab in Grenoble, France focusing on imaging technologies.
Apple has already had a team of researchers working secretively in the area, according to the reports, but a new 800 square meter R&D lab will allow it to expand to a team of approximately 30 people.
Apple is said to have chosen the location due a collaboration with semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics, a supplier of components for various Apple products including past iPhone models and Apple Watch.
Apple has several R&D facilities outside of the US and its main headquarters in Cupertino, and it will soon expand its facilities at home when it moves into the currently under construction Campus 2. Another recently announced project is Apple’s upcoming Japanese R&D center in Yokohama expected to open next year, while the company has various facilities and satellite offices set up in Israel, Florida, Seattle, Boston, China, Sweden and England, to name a few.
