Cook fulfills $600 billion commitment: Apple accelerates Houston AI server production, Mac mini will be "Made in America" for the first time

After announcing a $600 billion investment commitment in the U.S. last year, Apple is accelerating the implementation of its domestic manufacturing strategy. On February 24, Apple announced that it will start producing the Mac mini in Houston later this year, marking the first time this product will be “Made in America.” The new factory will be located in the Houston campus, doubling the campus size and creating thousands of jobs.

Meanwhile, Apple will also expand the capacity of the factory’s advanced AI servers. Since launching this business in 2025, it has already exceeded production targets, with servers (including locally produced logic boards) supplied to Apple data centers across the U.S.

Apple CEO Tim Cook stated:

“Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we are proud to significantly expand our operations in Houston. We have already exceeded our shipment goals for Houston AI servers and will further accelerate this work.”

$600 Billion Commitment Accelerates Fulfillment, Localized Supply Chain Blossoms

Since announcing the $600 billion U.S. investment plan last year, Apple and its American manufacturing partners have reached several milestones.

In chip procurement, Apple has exceeded its targets, sourcing over 20 billion domestically manufactured chips from 24 factories across 12 states, with partners including TSMC, Broadcom, and Texas Instruments. By 2026, Apple expects to purchase over 100 million advanced chips from TSMC’s Arizona plant, a significant increase over 2025.

In upstream materials, GlobalWafers has launched a $4 billion bare silicon wafer factory in Sherman, Texas, which will supply wafers to Apple’s chip manufacturing partners such as TSMC and Texas Instruments as per Apple’s requirements. Epiq, supported by Apple investment, is constructing a $7 billion advanced semiconductor packaging and testing plant in Pinal, Arizona, with Apple as its first and largest customer.

In end-product components, Corning’s factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, is now 100% dedicated to producing cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches shipped worldwide. Apple states that by the end of this year, all new iPhone and Apple Watch models will feature cover glass produced in that state.

Advanced Manufacturing Training Center to Open in Houston This Year

In addition to hardware production, Apple is accelerating the development of advanced manufacturing talent. A new approximately 20,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing training center is under construction in the Houston campus and is scheduled to open later this year.

This center will offer hands-on training for students, supplier employees, and various U.S. companies, covering manufacturing processes used in Apple products. Apple says this initiative aims to help U.S. manufacturers improve overall manufacturing capabilities.

In terms of talent development, Apple has established the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, providing hands-on training in AI, automation, and smart manufacturing to over 130 small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers. The academy recently launched online virtual courses, allowing companies nationwide to access training content developed jointly by Apple experts and Michigan State University faculty on demand.

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