Cook fulfills $600 billion pledge: Apple accelerates Houston AI server production, Mac mini to be "Made in USA" for the first time

After announcing a $600 billion US investment commitment last year, Apple is accelerating the implementation of its domestic manufacturing strategy. On February 24, Apple announced that Mac mini production will commence later this year in Houston, marking the product’s first-ever “Made in America” milestone. The new facility will be located in the Houston campus, doubling its size and creating thousands of jobs. At the same time, Apple will expand the plant’s advanced AI server production capacity. This business, which launched in 2025, has already met production goals ahead of schedule. The servers assembled—including locally produced logic boards—are now supplied to Apple data centers across the United States. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated: “Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we are proud to significantly expand our presence in Houston. We have already met shipment targets for Houston’s AI server ahead of schedule, and will further accelerate these efforts.” $600 Billion Commitment Accelerates Fulfillment, Supply Chain Localization Expands Since announcing the $600 billion US investment plan last year, Apple and its US manufacturing partners have achieved multiple milestones. In chip procurement, Apple has exceeded its targets, sourcing over 20 billion US-made chips from 24 factories across 12 states, with partners including TSMC, Broadcom, and Texas Instruments. In 2026, Apple expects to procure over 100 million advanced chips from TSMC’s Arizona factory, a significant increase from 2025. In upstream materials, GlobalWafers has launched a $4 billion bare silicon wafer facility in Sherman, Texas, with wafers supplied to US chip manufacturing partners like TSMC and Texas Instruments as per Apple’s requirements. Under Apple’s investment support, Eaker started construction on a $7 billion advanced semiconductor packaging and testing facility in Peoria, Arizona, with Apple as its first and largest customer. For end-product components, Corning’s factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, is now fully dedicated to producing cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch shipped worldwide. Apple announced that all new iPhone and Apple Watch models launched before year end will feature cover glass produced in the state. Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Coming to Houston This Year Beyond hardware production, Apple is accelerating the development of advanced manufacturing talent. The Houston campus will add a 20,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing training center, currently under construction and expected to officially open later this year. The center will provide hands-on training for students, supplier employees, and American companies of all sizes, covering manufacturing processes used in Apple product production. Apple said the goal is to help US manufacturers enhance their overall manufacturing capabilities. On the talent cultivation front, Apple has established the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit, which has so far provided practical training in AI, automation, and smart manufacturing to over 130 US small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Recently, the academy launched online virtual courses, allowing companies nationwide to access training content jointly developed by Apple experts and Michigan State University instructors as needed. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market has risks; investment requires caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account the special investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular situation. Investing based on this information is at your own risk.