In pursuit of a strategy that diversifies its supply chain and strengthens local production, Apple announced that it will provide..."Made in America" initiative The American Manufacturing Program (AMP) has received a fresh boost. New partners include sensor giants Bosch, TDK, Cirrus Logic, and Qnity Electronics.
This expansion is part of Apple’s previously committed $6000 billion investment plan in the U.S., with an expected additional $4 million to be invested by 2030 to produce iPhone stabilizer sensors, Face ID core chips, and high-performance AI computing materials in the U.S., further strengthening the depth and resilience of its U.S. supply chain.
Localization of core technologies: TDK manufactures iPhone sensors in the US for the first time.
The most noteworthy aspect of this collaboration is the enhanced relationship with long-term partner TDK.
• TMR sensor:TDK will establish its first factory in the United States to produce tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) sensors, a key component for image stabilization in iPhone cameras. This is not only a major breakthrough in the 30-year collaboration between the two companies, but also symbolizes a partial shift in the production center of core precision components for iPhones towards North America.
• Bosch and TSMC collaborate:Apple and Bosch will partner with TSMC Washington (located in Camas, Washington), a subsidiary of TSMC, to produce integrated circuits for vehicle crash detection, activity tracking, and altitude sensing. This means that TSMC's US production capacity will be more directly used to manufacture Apple's sensing hardware.
Breakthrough in chip manufacturing process: Cirrus Logic targets Face ID and AI applications
In semiconductor manufacturing processes, Apple has also facilitated a deep alliance between the two major manufacturers through its Made in the USA program:
• GlobalFoundries' new manufacturing process:Apple is pushing Cirrus Logic to partner with GlobalFoundries to establish new semiconductor manufacturing technologies at its facility in Malta, New York.
• Face ID upgrade:This collaboration will enable Cirrus Logic to develop advanced mixed-signal chips for Face ID systems and, for the first time, achieve commercial mass production of this key technology in the United States.
• Qnity and HD MicroSystems:The company will focus on developing high-performance computing and AI-related front-end materials to ensure that Apple has the ability to supply its own materials from the upstream end in the next generation of AI competition.
Talent Development: Apple Manufacturing Academy to Host Spring Forum
Beyond hardware investments, Apple is also actively cultivating its talent ecosystem. The Apple Manufacturing Academy, established last year in Detroit, has already provided AI and automation training to nearly 150 small and medium-sized enterprises. The academy is scheduled to hold its first Spring Forum at Michigan State University from April 30th to May 1st to discuss how AI can transform manufacturing.
