Apple Yields to Trump's Orders and Builds Factory in America
Apple has finally yielded to pressure from US President Donald Trump and committed to relocating some production facilities for Mac Mini computers to the United States by the end of this year.
This move aligns with Trump’s agenda to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose extremely high tariffs on technology giants that produce goods overseas and sell products in the US.
Apple previously announced plans to invest US$600 billion (Rp10 trillion) in America in 2025. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also appeared to develop a closer relationship with Trump.
In August 2025, Cook visited the White House with Trump for an announcement of a US$100 billion commitment. The company also stated it would purchase components and expand its relationships with US suppliers.
“As part of our US$600 billion commitment, Mac Mini will be produced in the US for the first time by the end of this year,” Cook wrote on his personal X account on Tuesday (24 February) local time.
“We are accelerating the realisation of [our commitment] further. We are producing more AI servers and opening Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre for direct training [in the US],” Cook added.
Mac Mini is a compact Apple computer priced more affordably, starting from US$600, according to the company’s official website. From the end of this year, production will take place at Apple’s new facility in Houston.
The facility has already begun operating for AI server production last year, Apple stated.
“We started shipping advanced AI servers from Houston ahead of schedule. We are excited to accelerate all work going forward,” Cook said in a statement.
Apple previously suffered significantly from Trump’s tariff policies. The company has already paid US$3.3 billion since Trump’s tariff initiative was implemented last year.
To date, half of iPhone production for the US market comes from India. Meanwhile, other Apple products such as Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch are mostly produced in Vietnam.
Last week, the Supreme Court struck down most of the broader scope of President Trump’s tariff agenda. However, uncertainty remains after Trump criticised the decision.
Apple said the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, spanning 20,000 square feet in Houston, will open by the end of this year. The company stated it will provide training in advanced manufacturing techniques to students, supplier employees, and US businesses.
The centre will also serve as a venue to teach participants about the same innovative processes used to manufacture Apple products.