Tim Cook Gets a Custom Labubu Figure: What It Means for POP MART and Collectors

What Happened

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, was presented with a unique custom Labubu figure during a visit to Shanghai in early October 2025. The gift came from the artist Kasing Lung, creator of Labubu for Pop Mart, and signified a high-profile moment for the toy brand. 

According to reports:

• The figure resembles Cook in slim black pants, white sneakers, glasses and holding a micro-iPhone, while adopting Labubu’s signature pointed ears and nine-toothed grin.  
• The meeting involved Cook, Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning and Lung, and took place during Cook’s China trip tied to the iPhone Air launch.  
• The news triggered a surge in Pop Mart’s stock price (up to ~6%), as investors speculated on a possible broader tie-up between Apple and Pop Mart.  

Why It Matters

1. Brand Validity for Labubu & Pop Mart

This moment elevates Labubu beyond the niche collector world into the global tech & culture spotlight. Having a business-icon like Cook symbolically “receive” a Labubu signals crossover appeal between lifestyle, tech and designer toys.

2. Potential Strategic Partnership Speculation

Analysts are now speculating that Apple could explore collaboration opportunities—whether branded gadgets, AR/VR tie-ins, or Pop Mart-style blind-box models with Apple branding. 

3. Collector Market Effects

Such high-profile recognition tends to amplify collector interest. Expect:

• More limited-edition Labubu pieces and collaborations
• Secondary market valuations may rise for rare and custom figures
• Increased attention from Western markets previously less aware of Pop Mart

What We Don’t Know Yet

• No official announcement of an Apple-Pop Mart partnership has been made.
• The custom Cook figure appears to be one-of-a-kind, not commercially available—so far.
• Whether Pop Mart intends to commercialize similar custom figures or collaborations remains speculative.

For Collectors: What to Keep in Mind

• Authenticity matters: With increased attention comes increased counterfeit risk. Make sure to verify hologram stickers, QR codes, and official listings.  
• Watch for special drops: Given this event, keep an eye on special edition Labubu drops tied to tech, culture or celebrity collaborations.
• Resale caution: Although hype is rising, market bubbles can shift; buy pieces you love, not just for investment.

Final Take

The gift of a custom Labubu to Tim Cook is more than a fun photo-op—it’s a cultural signal. Pop Mart’s quirky monster figure is being recognized on a global stage, and collectors and industry watchers alike should pay attention. Whether this leads to a formal partnership or merely a moment of media attention, it highlights the growing power and reach of designer-toy culture.