April 30, 2025 – In a recent interview with CNBC, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick revealed that during discussions with Apple CEO Tim Cook, the latter indicated the tech giant could potentially assemble iPhones domestically if it secured access to advanced “robotic arms” technology.
Lutnick, who has been actively engaging with Cook on the prospect of relocating iPhone production to the United States, said Cook was explicit about the role automation would play in such a transition. The Apple executive emphasized that commercial-scale deployment of precision robotics would be a prerequisite for shifting manufacturing operations stateside. “Once this technology meets industry standards, we’re ready to make the move,” Cook stated, underscoring automation as the linchpin of Apple’s U.S. manufacturing strategy.
Cook further elaborated that Apple’s reluctance to rely heavily on manual labor stems from concerns about operational risks and scalability. Instead, the company is prioritizing automation to minimize dependency on large workforces. Lutnick clarified that under this model, U.S. workers would not be tasked with basic assembly roles, such as screw-driving, but would instead fill high-paying technical positions overseeing factory automation systems.
The comments highlight a broader shift in Apple’s manufacturing philosophy, where cutting-edge robotics and skilled technical labor could redefine the future of U.S.-based electronics production.
