When Chinese factories supplying Apple’s iPhone were roiled with COVID-19 outbreaks that resulted in lockdowns and employee walk-outs, it directly impacted global iPhone shipments.
Some estimates suggest that iPhone production could drop as much as 30% as a result of China’s pandemic curbs.
To stem the risk of slowing the production of its devices overseas, Apple has decided to take matters into its own hands. Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed on Tuesday that chips for Apple’s devices will now be made in the U.S.
“Apple silicon unlocks a new level of performance for our users. And soon, many of these chips can be stamped “Made in America,” he wrote in a tweet.
Cook said that a new plant in Arizona, operated by contract chip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, would mark the start of “a new era of advanced manufacturing in the U.S.”
Apple silicon unlocks a new level of performance for our users. And soon, many of these chips can be stamped “Made in America.” The opening of TSMC's plant in Arizona marks a new era of advanced manufacturing in the U.S. — and we are proud to become the site’s largest customer. pic.twitter.com/rBoiEUwZaX
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 6, 2022
