Apple announced that it will shift part of its Mac Mini production from Asia to a new Foxconn‑operated facility in north Houston, Texas, with the move slated to begin later in 2026. The decision is part of Apple’s broader $600 billion U.S. manufacturing commitment, which also includes expanding advanced AI server production at the Houston site and opening a 20,000‑square‑foot Advanced Manufacturing Center to train students, supplier employees and local businesses.
The new Houston plant will assemble the Mac Mini, Apple’s most affordable Mac, which accounts for less than 5 % of global Mac sales but has gained popularity among students and small‑business users. Foxconn will operate the facility, and the site will also support the production of advanced AI servers that Apple began building in Houston in 2025 to back its Apple Intelligence initiatives. The Advanced Manufacturing Center will provide hands‑on training for the local workforce, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the regional supply chain.
Apple’s rationale for moving the Mac Mini to the United States is two‑fold: it mitigates tariff costs that could arise from future trade tensions and reduces supply‑chain risk by diversifying production away from China. The move also signals a broader strategy to build a geographically resilient manufacturing network, with the Houston facility serving as a hub for both consumer hardware and AI‑related components.
Apple’s Q1 2026 earnings, released on January 29, 2026, showed record revenue of $143.8 billion—up 16 % year‑over‑year—and earnings per share of $2.84, a $0.24 beat over the $2.60 consensus. Gross margin rose to 48.2 % from 46.9 % the prior year, driven by a mix shift toward higher‑margin services and AI server sales. Management guided for 13‑16 % revenue growth in the March quarter, reflecting confidence in continued demand for its product and services portfolio.
Investors reacted cautiously to the earnings release, citing rising NAND flash memory costs and concerns about the timeline for Apple Intelligence 2.0. Despite the strong financial performance, the market’s focus on component cost inflation and AI launch timelines tempered enthusiasm, even as Apple reiterated its commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Tim Cook said, "Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we're proud to significantly expand our footprint in Houston with the production of Mac mini starting later this year." Sabih Khan added, "We're very excited to tell you that later this year we will be beginning Mac mini manufacturing right here in this space."
The Houston expansion underscores Apple’s strategic pivot toward a more diversified and resilient supply chain. By bringing a niche product into the United States, Apple can reduce exposure to geopolitical risks, lower tariff costs, and improve delivery times for U.S. customers. The move also supports the company’s AI ambitions and workforce development goals, positioning Apple to maintain its competitive edge while contributing to the U.S. manufacturing economy.
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