Apple has announced the opening of its first U.S.-based manufacturing academy in downtown Detroit, a significant move aligned with increasing calls from the U.S. government to bring more technology jobs and production back to American soil.
The new facility, known as the Apple Manufacturing Academy, is set to open this August and will be administered in partnership with Michigan State University. Its mission: to equip small and medium-sized businesses with hands-on skills in modern manufacturing techniques and artificial intelligence. Apple also confirmed that its own engineers will lead workshops and contribute directly to training efforts.
The program marks a major step in Apple’s broader initiative to emphasize its domestic footprint. The company recently pledged over $500 billion in U.S. investments over the next five years, encompassing infrastructure, innovation, and support for American suppliers and manufacturers.
“With this new programming, we’re thrilled to help even more businesses implement smart manufacturing so they can unlock amazing opportunities for their companies and our country,” said Sabih Khan, Apple’s newly appointed Chief Operating Officer.
The Detroit launch comes at a politically sensitive time for Apple. President Donald Trump has been vocal in his push for the tech giant to shift production—especially of iPhones—out of Asia and into the United States. Trump’s administration has rolled out tariffs on Chinese imports, significantly increasing the costs of Apple’s foreign-manufactured goods. While Apple has acknowledged these pressures, the company has also highlighted the logistical and economic challenges of relocating complex hardware assembly operations to the U.S.
In February, Apple announced plans to assemble AI servers in Houston and purchase semiconductor chips from a new Arizona-based facility run by TSMC, another indicator of its pivot toward domestic partnerships.
Despite these efforts, Trump has expressed frustration. In a recent statement, he said, “You’re coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,” referencing Apple CEO Tim Cook’s comments about expanding operations in South Asia to sidestep Chinese tariffs.
The Detroit academy mirrors Apple’s global strategy of forging relationships with national and local governments through tech education initiatives. Similar programs have been launched in Brazil, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Detroit also hosts Apple’s only U.S. Developer Academy, which focuses on software development and enrolls about 200 students annually.
Unlike the Developer Academy, the Manufacturing Academy will concentrate on production technologies and AI integration. It will also offer virtual classes by the end of the year and provide consulting services to U.S.-based small businesses, helping them adopt advanced manufacturing processes.
