No other place exemplifies the rise of the Chinese middle/upper class like it does. The size and popularity of the high end boutique labels e.g. LV, Hermes, Zegna, Gucci far exceeds that of Tokyo, Paris, London, New York. If Apple does cement the iPhone as a status symbol alongside the LV bag it is going to soak up a tremendous amount of profit.
Shenzhen is even in China (though, in a special economic zone).
This idea fascinates me because tech brands have always been commodities or at best trendy. If Apple can achieve long-term status along the lines of upscale fashion labels that will be absolutely amazing and yet not undeserved.
If you walk down the high street in Ginza, Tokyo you see the Apple Store (which is always packed to capacity) just down from Chanel and Cartier. Which with its strong architectural design really makes it feel like it belongs alongside those other brands.
What's telling as well is that the Sony HQ in Ginza feels so dated.