Apple CEO Tim Cook, alongside Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, inaugurated a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This strategic expansion marks Apple’s plan to produce Mac Mini desktop computers and AI servers domestically later this year, reinforcing its significant investment in U.S. manufacturing. The facility will also offer free training and educational classes for local businesses.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, joined by high-ranking government officials including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, officially opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This significant event highlights Apple's ongoing commitment to expanding its domestic manufacturing footprint, a move that has been actively encouraged by previous administrations.
Later this year, the Houston plant is slated to begin manufacturing Apple's Mac Mini desktop computers. Additionally, a portion of the facility is already dedicated to assembling advanced AI servers for Apple. CEO Cook revealed that Apple has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the facility, stating, "We stood up a factory, started production, and shipped the first advanced AI servers off the line, and with Mac Mini production set to begin later this year."
For years, former President Donald Trump advocated for Apple to manufacture its flagship iPhone in the U.S. While Apple has made efforts to support domestic production, it has also navigated concerns regarding potential tariffs impacting its global business operations. In response, Apple has consistently highlighted its substantial contributions to U.S. manufacturing, particularly in components, chips, and cover glass. Cook noted that Apple sourced over 20 billion chips from the U.S. last year, including 100 million chips from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s facility in Arizona.
Secretary Lutnick emphasized the strategic importance of Apple's domestic commitment at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "For decades, America was the great inventor of the world's technology, and we watched that technology be built everywhere else in the world," Lutnick remarked. "President Trump said, 'Look, that's got to change.'...We needed Apple's commitment to build here in America, because they can uniquely, maybe, lead the charge for advanced manufacturing coming to America."
This high-profile appearance marks one of the final public engagements for Tim Cook as Apple CEO. He is set to transition to Executive Chairman on September 1st, with longtime Apple hardware executive John Ternus assuming the CEO role. Cook’s future responsibilities will include assisting with aspects of the company such as engaging with global policymakers, suggesting that such public appearances may continue to be a part of his role.
While Apple has not indicated plans to produce the iPhone in the U.S., the company has diversified its supply chain beyond China, with a portion of U.S.-bound iPhones and Macs now manufactured in India and Vietnam. Last August, Apple launched its $600 billion American Manufacturing Program, which supports U.S. manufacturing through orders, purchase commitments, and capacity expansion initiatives with semiconductor partners. The company also opened a manufacturing academy in Detroit, Michigan, in 2025, offering classes and training. The Houston site will provide similar educational opportunities, focusing on topics like machine learning for quality control.
Apple leaders have previously appeared with Trump administration officials to announce U.S. manufacturing efforts for products like the Mac Pro and servers. The inclusion of the Mac Mini, a consumer-facing product with higher sales volumes, further underscores Apple's expanded commitment to domestic production.
In 2019, Cook was seen with Trump at the Austin, Texas, factory where the Mac Pro was assembled. More recently, in a White House appearance last year, Cook announced Apple's plans to produce servers for Apple Intelligence outside of Houston.
The Mac Mini, while not Apple's most popular PC, recently saw a surge in demand, selling out in some stores, particularly due to the rise of a free program called OpenClaw. AI enthusiasts discovered that Apple's compact and affordable desktop was ideally suited for running AI agents. Lutnick recounted Cook's explanation of the Mac Mini's capabilities: "When I thought about a Mac Mini, I thought, OK, that's like the computer on your desk. And then I see Tim. He goes: 'No, no, no.'" Lutnick added that Cook elaborated on its ability to run advanced AI models, calling these machines "amazing."
Correction: An earlier version of this story included an incorrect day for the event.
VIDEO: Apple touts 20 billion U.S.-sourced chips as Houston manufacturing push expands (1:15)
VIDEO: Apple brings the Mac mini to Texas as Cook makes a final U.S. manufacturing push (1:59)
