Summary:
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Apple to begin assembling some Mac mini units in Houston in 2026
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Production to take place at a Foxconn facility
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Move aimed at meeting local U.S. demand
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Majority of Mac mini output to remain in Asia
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Part of broader supply-chain diversification trend
Apple plans to shift part of its Mac mini production to the United States, with assembly set to begin in Houston later in 2026, according to comments by the company’s operating chief reported by The Wall Street Journal.(gated)
The move will see some Mac mini units produced at a Foxconn facility in Texas, marking a modest expansion of U.S.-based manufacturing for the tech giant. The new assembly line is intended to meet local demand, while the bulk of Mac mini production will continue in Asia.
The production shift underscores Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its supply chain geographically. While Asia remains the company’s core manufacturing base, Apple has in recent years taken steps to broaden its footprint in response to geopolitical tensions, trade policy shifts and supply-chain disruptions.
By establishing a Houston assembly line, Apple can shorten delivery times for U.S. customers and potentially reduce exposure to tariff-related risks. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling reshaping elements of the U.S. tariff framework has added further uncertainty around trade costs, reinforcing incentives for partial localisation of production.
The facility in Texas will operate in partnership with Foxconn, Apple’s long-time contract manufacturing partner. However, Apple’s operating chief made clear that the majority of Mac mini production will remain in Asia, suggesting the Houston operation will complement rather than replace existing supply chains.
The Mac mini is one of Apple’s more compact and modular desktop offerings, and its assembly is less complex than that of larger devices, making it a practical candidate for regional manufacturing.
The move reflects a broader industry trend toward supply-chain resilience and incremental reshoring of select production lines, particularly for products aimed at major end markets such as the United States
