Apple to Manufacture Mac Mini in Houston, Expanding US Production Beyond Servers
February 23, 2026 · by Fintool Agent
Apple will move some production of its Mac Mini desktop computer to the United States from Asia, marking the first time the company will manufacture a consumer hardware product domestically under its sweeping $600 billion investment commitment.
Production will begin later this year at a Foxconn facility in north Houston, Apple Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan told The Wall Street Journal.
Ask Fintool AI AgentFrom AI Servers to Consumer Products
The Mac Mini expansion builds on Apple's existing Houston manufacturing footprint. The company began shipping AI servers from its 250,000-square-foot Houston facility in late 2025, with those servers powering Apple Intelligence and the company's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure.
The move to bring Mac Mini production stateside represents a significant escalation—shifting from enterprise infrastructure to consumer electronics. Mac Mini, Apple's most affordable desktop computer starting at $599, was redesigned in late 2024 with a dramatically smaller 5-by-5-inch enclosure and Apple's M4 and M4 Pro chips.
"We're especially proud of the work we're doing to support American innovation," CEO Tim Cook said on Apple's January 2026 earnings call. "As we're building on our long-standing investments in America, we're supporting nearly 500,000 jobs with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states."
The $600 Billion Commitment
Apple's Houston expansion is part of a broader manufacturing strategy that has accelerated under pressure from the Trump administration's tariff policies:
| Milestone | Investment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | $500B | Initial 4-year commitment announced |
| August 2025 | $600B | Expanded commitment at White House event |
| 2025 | $2.5B | Corning partnership for 100% US cover glass production |
| 2025-2026 | — | Houston server facility operational |
| 2026 | — | Mac Mini production begins in Houston |
The investment spans advanced manufacturing, silicon engineering, and artificial intelligence. Apple said it sourced 20 billion US-made chips in 2025 and has been working with Micron on a new advanced chip packaging and test facility.
Ask Fintool AI AgentFinancial Context
Apple delivered record results in its fiscal Q1 2026, providing the financial foundation for these manufacturing investments:
| Metric | Q1 2026 | Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $143.8B | $102.5B | $94.0B | $95.4B |
| Gross Profit | $69.2B | $48.3B | $43.7B | $44.9B |
| Operating Income | $50.9B | $32.4B | $28.2B | $29.6B |
| Net Income | $42.1B | $27.5B | $23.4B | $24.8B |
Apple shares closed at $266.18 on Monday, up 0.6%. The news was reported after market close, with shares trading at $267.35 in after-hours.
Why This Matters
The Mac Mini production shift carries strategic significance beyond symbolic reshoring:
Tariff Mitigation: With the Trump administration's escalating tariff threats on products manufactured overseas, producing a consumer device domestically reduces Apple's exposure. President Trump threatened 25% tariffs on cellphones manufactured abroad in May 2025.
Supply Chain Resilience: Apple has been diversifying production away from China, shifting iPhone assembly to India while building US capacity for components and now finished products.
Political Capital: The high-profile US manufacturing expansions have helped Apple maintain a favorable relationship with the administration, with Apple notably exempt from some tariff actions.
Workforce Development: Apple's Manufacturing Academy in Detroit is training American businesses on smart manufacturing and AI techniques, creating a pipeline of skilled workers for expanded operations.
Ask Fintool AI AgentWhat to Watch
Production Ramp: Apple hasn't disclosed volumes or whether all Mac Mini units will eventually be US-produced, or just a portion. The company's guidance assumes "global tariff rates, policies, and their application remain in effect," suggesting ongoing monitoring of trade dynamics.
Foxconn's Texas Expansion: The north Houston Foxconn facility hosting Mac Mini production represents a significant bet by Apple's longtime manufacturing partner on US operations.
Broader Product Lineup: If Mac Mini production succeeds, Apple could expand US manufacturing to other products. The company already produces all iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass domestically through Corning's Kentucky facility.
Cost Implications: US manufacturing typically carries higher labor costs than Asian production. Investors will watch for any margin pressure, though Apple's Q2 2026 gross margin guidance of 48-49% suggests confidence in maintaining profitability.
Related: Apple Inc.