Apple’s Motown manufacturing academy to train businesses on AI

Apple is launching a manufacturing academy in downtown Detroit to train small and medium-sized businesses on manufacturing and artificial intelligence, with Michigan State University administering the program. The move comes as President Trump intensifies pressure on the tech giant to bring more production jobs to the United States while implementing tariffs that will likely increase Apple’s operational costs.

What you should know: The Apple Manufacturing Academy will open in August, offering workshops led by Apple engineers to help businesses implement smart manufacturing technologies.

• The program will provide consulting services to small businesses and plans to offer virtual courses later this year.
• Apple describes the initiative as training “the next generation of U.S. manufacturers” to unlock opportunities for companies and the country.

The big picture: This announcement is part of Apple’s broader public effort to showcase its U.S. investments and operations to appease Trump’s demands for domestic manufacturing.

• Apple first promised the academy in February when it announced plans to spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over five years.
• The company also committed to assembling AI servers in Houston and purchasing chips from a TSMC factory in Arizona.

Why this matters: Trump has specifically called for Apple to move iPhone production to the U.S., though experts say this would be cost-prohibitive and time-consuming.

• The president has expressed frustration with CEO Tim Cook’s expansion into India, saying “I don’t want you building in India” during a May conversation.
• Apple’s strategic response involves highlighting domestic investments while avoiding the costly prospect of moving iPhone assembly stateside.

How it compares: Apple operates similar programs globally, with 18 developer academies worldwide focused on software development rather than manufacturing.

• These academies are typically located in countries where Apple seeks stronger government relationships, including Brazil, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
• The only existing U.S. developer academy is also in Detroit through Michigan State University, serving about 200 students annually.

What they’re saying: “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 named chief operating officer.