Apple will base its London operation at the regenerated Battersea Power Station.
The Grade II-listed building, which has remained derelict for 33 years since it ceased powering and lighting London, is undergoing a multibillion-pound restoration.
The tech giant will be the largest office tenant at the Malaysian-backed development on the banks of the River Thames when it takes the top six floors in the central boiler house, room for 1,400 staff.
Apple employees based in eight offices around the capital, forming “central” functions in areas such as finance and human resources, will all move there.
Apple said in a statement that “our new London campus [will be] a magnificent new development at one of the city’s best-known landmarks”.
It added: “This is a great opportunity to have our entire team working and collaborating in one location while supporting the renovation of a neighbourhood rich with history.”
British supercar maker McLaren recently denied that it is in talks with Apple over a strategic investment or full-blown takeover.
The famous former coal-fired power station designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott is planned to include three floors of shops, 253 apartments around a “garden square in the sky”, a 2,000-seater auditorium and cinemas in a scheme designed by London architects Wilkinson Eyre.
There have been three previous attempts to regenerate the area, while Chelsea FC was rejected when it applied to build a new stadium on the site.
Battersea Power Station Development Company’s chief executive Rob Tincknell said: “We are delighted Apple chose to make this their home in 2021.
“It is a testament to not only the fantastic building but the wider regeneration of the 42-acre site, which offers a carefully curated mix of homes, businesses and leisure amid extraordinary open spaces and new transport links.
“It has always been our clear objective to create one of London’s most thriving new communities and this commitment from Apple will undoubtedly help us achieve this goal.”
Apple recently courted controversy after ditching the traditional headphone jack on the iPhone 7.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted Apple is moving into Battersea Power Station, helping to generate new jobs and economic prosperity for London.
“It is a further sign London is open to the world’s biggest brands and the leading city for trade and investment.”
Chancellor Philip Hammond said: “Apple’s decision further strengthens London’s position as a global technology hub and demonstrates how the UK is at the forefront of the next steps in the tech revolution.
“It’s another vote of confidence in the UK economy.”
Wandsworth council’s leader Ravi Govindia said: “I’m very pleased to give Apple a warm welcome.
“They will become the largest employer in the borough and we are hugely excited that they will play a keen and active role in our community.”