Apple is responding to growing pressure to increase U.S.-based manufacturing by launching the Apple Manufacturing Academy in downtown Detroit. Scheduled to open in August, the program, run in partnership with Michigan State University, will offer workshops focused on manufacturing and artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized businesses. Apple engineers will also participate in the sessions, helping to “train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers.”
Known for producing tens of millions of sophisticated devices worldwide each year, Apple’s manufacturing operates through a vast global supply chain. With this new academy, the company aims to help more U.S. businesses adopt smart manufacturing techniques, unlocking new growth opportunities domestically. Sabih Khan, Apple’s newly appointed chief operating officer, highlighted the initiative as a way to foster innovation and strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.
This move is part of Apple’s broader public effort to emphasize its commitment to U.S. operations and investments, partly in response to demands from President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly urged Apple to bring iPhone production back to the U.S. amid his administration’s tariff policies, which are expected to increase the company’s costs. In February, Apple announced plans to invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, which includes assembling AI servers in Houston and purchasing chips from a TSMC factory in Arizona.
Although the White House praised Apple’s investment announcement, tensions remain. Trump has expressed frustration over Apple expanding production to India, urging the company to focus more on American manufacturing. Experts note that shifting iPhone assembly back to the U.S. would be expensive and time-consuming.
Apple already operates a network of developer academies globally, focusing on software development and fostering partnerships with various governments. Its only U.S.-based developer academy is also in Detroit, partnering with Michigan State University and educating around 200 students annually.
The new manufacturing academy will offer both in-person and virtual courses later this year, along with consulting services for small businesses. This initiative aims to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem by equipping businesses with cutting-edge skills and promoting advanced manufacturing practices across the country.
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