A gradual shift in manufacturing strategy is taking shape as Apple looks to balance global production with increased domestic output. The company is preparing to bring part of its Mac Mini assembly to the US while continuing large-scale manufacturing in Asia.
Apple will move some production of its Mac Mini desktop computer from Asia to the US. Manufacturing is set to begin later this year at a Foxconn facility in north Houston. The move represents Apple’s latest investment in the US, following its commitment announced in August to invest $600 billion in the country over the next 4 years.
The development comes after US President Donald Trump threatened in May to impose a 25% tariff on products manufactured overseas. This marked a shift from earlier policy, when smartphones, computers, and other electronics were exempted from tariffs on Chinese imports.
Apple said production of the Mac Mini will continue in Asia. Chief operating officer Sabih Khan noted that the US facility will serve local demand as the domestic assembly line ramps up. It remains unclear whether the company plans to reduce output at its Asian manufacturing sites.
Khan added that Apple is more confident in forecasting long-term demand for the Mac Mini, which is more popular than the Mac Pro. He also said the Houston site is being expanded to include a new training center focused on advanced manufacturing.
Apple’s record on US investment commitments has been mixed. In 2019, Tim Cook toured a Texas factory with Trump that was promoted as a new manufacturing site. However, that facility had already been producing Apple computers since 2013, and production was later moved to Thailand.
Despite the new US effort, Apple continues to manufacture most of its products, including iPhones and iPads, in Asia, primarily in China. In recent years, the company has also shifted some production to Vietnam, Thailand, and India as part of a broader diversification strategy.
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