Apple announced this week that it will assemble its Mac mini desktop computers in the United States for the first time, with production expected to begin later in 2026 at its Foxconn factory in Houston, Texas. This is an important milestone for Apple to expand its U.S. manufacturing footprint and a concrete action to implement its previously committed US$60 billion U.S. investment plan. Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “Apple is deeply rooted in the future of American manufacturing, and we are proud to significantly expand our operations in Houston. Mac mini will begin production later this year.” He further pointed out that Apple has begun shipping advanced AI servers from Houston in advance and looks forward to accelerating this work.
Apple announces it will produce Mac mini in the U.S. for the first time, starting assembly in Houston, Texas factory later this year
According to an interview with the Wall Street Journal by Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan, the Mac mini assembled in the United States will mainly be supplied to the U.S. market, while overseas orders will still be produced and supplied by Asian factories. This strategy reflects Apple’s balancing considerations between supply chain flexibility and regional production.
Consumer Intelligence Research Partners estimates that the Mac mini accounts for only about 5% of Apple’s global Mac sales, making it a niche product. In 2024, Mac mini will receive its first major facelift since 2010, with a new design and an M4 Pro chip. In the US market, the entry-level price of Mac mini is $599, but users need to prepare their own monitor, keyboard and trackball or mouse.
Expand AI server production capacity and establish advanced manufacturing center
In addition to the Mac mini production line, Apple also announced that it will expand the AI server production capacity of the Houston factory. Apple first revealed its U.S. server production plans in August 2025, and said in October of the same year that it was progressing smoothly. The announcement will double the size of the Houston campus.
In addition, Apple will set up a 20,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, which is expected to open later this year. The center will provide students, supplier employees and U.S. businesses of all sizes with hands-on training in advanced manufacturing technologies. Apple will teach the same innovative processes used to manufacture Apple products and help American manufacturers improve their technology.
US$60 billion investment commitment takes substantial step forward
This Mac mini U.S. production plan is an important part of Apple’s $60 billion U.S. investment commitment announced in 2025. Apple announced the additional investment in August 2025, flanked by U.S. President Trump, and Cook said at the time that the investments were “already starting to bear fruit.”
The Trump administration continues to pressure manufacturers to move production back to the United States. Last year, Trump singled out Apple for threatening to raise tariffs if it did not move iPhone manufacturing to the United States. According to reports, Apple has spent more than $3 billion due to Trump’s second-term tariff policies.
Chip procurement hits new highs, U.S. supply chain layout is successful
Apple also announced a new milestone in U.S. chip procurement. Apple said it has exceeded its goal, sourcing more than $20 billion in U.S.-made chips from 24 factories across 12 states, including partners from TSMC, Broadcom and Texas Instruments. GlobalWafers has begun production at its new $4 billion bare silicon wafer fab in Sherman, Texas. At Apple’s request, the wafers produced by Sherman will be supplied to Apple’s chip manufacturing partners in the United States, including TSMC and Texas Instruments. In addition, Amkor has broken ground on its new $7 billion semiconductor advanced packaging and test facility in Peoria, Arizona, with the support of Apple’s investment, making Apple its first and largest customer.
Corning’s factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky is now dedicated to supplying 100% of iPhone and Apple Watch glass shipped globally, and by the end of the year, every new iPhone and Apple Watch is expected to feature glass made in the state. In 2026, Apple expects to purchase more than 100 million advanced chips from TSMC’s Arizona factory, a significant increase from 2025. Apple has established the “Apple Manufacturing Academy” in Detroit, Michigan, and currently supports more than 130 small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers, providing practical training in AI, automation and smart manufacturing.
Source: KOCPC Chinese