If Apple aims to avoid the impact of Trump’s tariffs, relocating iPhone manufacturing to the United States might be its best option. Currently, the company relies significantly on China for iPhone production. In a recent interview with CNBC, Howard Lutnick, Trump’s Commerce Secretary, shared that Apple CEO Tim Cook sees advanced robotics as a critical component in moving production to the US.

Cook emphasized the necessity for robotic arms that can provide the scale and precision required for iPhone manufacturing. This perspective marks a notable shift from the previous stance held by Apple’s top executives regarding US manufacturing. Cook has previously pointed out that China boasts a concentration of skilled labor essential for producing iPhones.

This sentiment echoes what Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, expressed about the advanced tooling and precision available in certain locations, facilitating high-quality production. While Cook’s remarks suggest that US manufacturing is theoretically feasible, practical challenges abound. The reality is that the US manufacturing landscape may not be fully prepared to meet Apple’s stringent demands.

Transitioning to domestic production would require a substantial investment of time and resources, assembling factories and facilities suitable for large-scale iPhone production. However, this process is unlikely to be swift or inexpensive. Significant investments could lead to increased costs for consumers, as American workers are typically entitled to higher wages compared to their counterparts in countries like China, India, and Brazil.

Whether Apple will take the plunge into US production remains uncertain. For now, Apple continues to navigate the complexities of global production. Reports indicate the company is planning to shift much of its iPhone production from China to India in the near future.