Apple will begin producing Mac mini at a new factory on its Houston manufacturing site later this year, bringing Mac mini production to the US for the first time and expanding advanced artificial intelligence (AI) server assembly at the same campus.
It comes amid soaring demand for the diminuitive computer thanks to the popularity of personal AI agents, especially the viral sensation OpenClaw (nee Clawdbot) which was recently snapped up by Sam Altman's ChatGPT parent OpenAI recently. Apple's unit is a popular because it provides a safer, more contained home for these so called 'open' Agents which typically have access to all of their user's sensitive personal data, passwords, api keys and potential financial records - basically, plugging them in at home is less risky than exposing them on the cloud.
Apple, in its announcement, said its latest manufacturing expansion will double the Houston campus footprint, create thousands of jobs and include a 20,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center that will provide hands-on training to students, supplier employees and U.S. businesses.
The iPhone and Mac mini maker began producing advanced AI servers in Houston in 2025, and it says production is already ahead of schedule; servers assembled in Houston — including logic boards produced onsite — are used in Apple data centers around the country.
“Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we’re proud to significantly expand our footprint in Houston with the production of Mac mini starting later this year,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“We began shipping advanced AI servers from Houston ahead of schedule, and we’re excited to accelerate that work even further.”
Since announcing a $600 billion American investment commitment, Apple and partners have hit several milestones: the company sourced more than 20 billion US-made chips from 24 factories across 12 states; GlobalWafers began production at a $4 billion wafer facility in Sherman, Texas; Amkor broke ground on a $7 billion packaging and test site in Peoria, Arizona; and Corning’s Harrodsburg, Kentucky, plant is now devoted to cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch.
Apple said it is on track in 2026 to purchase well over 100 million advanced chips produced by TSMC at its Arizona facility, and its Manufacturing Academy in Detroit now supports more than 130 U.S. manufacturers with training and virtual programming.
The recap
Mac mini production will begin at Apple’s Houston factory.
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Apple sourced more than 20 billion U.S.-made chips.
Mac mini and the training center arrive later this year.