Apple (BDR: ) reported this Tuesday (24) that it will begin manufacturing Mac mini desktop computers in Houston later this year, as part of a strategy to expand production in the United States.
The company stated that the assembly will take place in the same location where, last year, it began manufacturing servers destined for data centers that support its artificial intelligence resources. In the most recent announcement, the company said that production of AI servers will also be expanded and that it will open a 20,000 square foot facility focused on manufacturing training.
Apple currently produces most of its Mac computers in Asia, including facilities in China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. The company, however, has been manufacturing the Mac Pro for years, its lowest volume model and which has already been the subject of internal discussions about possible discontinuation, at a unit in Austin, Texas. This program has faced problems since the launch of the first “Made in America” Mac Pro in 2013.
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The Mac mini is also among Apple’s lowest-volume products, behind more popular models like the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac. Still, the equipment, with a starting price of US$599, has gained new relevance in recent weeks, with consumers purchasing the model to run AI software. The company is working on an updated version of the Mac mini for this year, with a new chip, according to Bloomberg News.
In the case of the Mac Pro, Apple produces versions for the American market in Texas and models destined for other countries in Asia. The strategy must be maintained on the Mac mini. The company does not manufacture its highest-volume products, such as the iPhone and iPad, in the United States, although partner Corning Inc. produces glass components for iPhone screens locally.
The initiative is part of a US$600 billion investment plan in the United States, mentioned by CEO Tim Cook in a public meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump last year. At the meeting, Cook gave Trump a gold bar and a circular piece of glass produced in the country.
“Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we are proud to significantly expand our presence in Houston with production of the Mac mini starting later this year,” Cook said in a statement.
Critics say Apple’s approach to the Trump administration went beyond limits, although the strategy likely helped the company avoid more significant impacts from tariffs and pressure on device prices.
In 2019, Cook and Trump held an event to announce the production of the Mac Pro in Texas, which also drew criticism. The announcement about the Mac mini was made through a statement and had a more discreet profile.
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