Apple announced today that it is opening a manufacturing academy in Detroit next month, offering free training for small businesses and innovators.
The Apple Manufacturing Academy, in partnership with Michigan State University, is designed to help American companies implement artificial intelligence and new techniques in manufacturing, the company said in a statement.Â
"Apple works with suppliers in all 50 states because we know advanced manufacturing is vital to American innovation and leadership," said Sabih Khan, Apple's chief operating officer. "With this new programming, we're thrilled to help even more businesses implement smart manufacturing." Â
Opening Aug. 19, the Apple Manufacturing Academy is part of the tech giant's pledge to spend more than $500 billion in the US, which it announced in February, about six weeks before President Donald Trump launched his Liberation Day tariff drama. Trump threatened Apple and other manufacturers with a 25% tariff on all smartphones produced outside the US after Apple said it was moving US iPhone production from India to China. Â
While the manufacturing academy could potentially help American companies with new techniques, it's unlikely to make a difference in Apple's manufacturing plans, at least in the short term. Most experts say moving iPhone production to the US is unrealistic because of higher labor and production costs. Estimates have suggested that a US-made iPhone would cost as much as $3,500.Â