Building iPhones in the U.S. sounds appealing, but the reality is far more complex. Apple’s supply chain is deeply rooted in Asia, where a vast network of suppliers, skilled labor, and efficient logistics keeps production fast and costs low.
Failed Experiments & Current Reality
In 2013, Motorola’s attempt to manufacture smartphones in Texas failed due to high costs and slow output. Today, less than 5% of iPhone components are U.S.-made. Even if some glass comes from Kentucky or chips from TSMC’s new Arizona plant, 85% of assembly still happens in China.
Asia’s Unmatched Ecosystem
Each iPhone relies on **2,700 parts from 187 suppliers across 28 countries**. In China, factories and suppliers are clustered together, speeding up production and cutting costs. While Apple is shifting some assembly to India (now 16% of iPhones, targeting 20%), core components still come from China, Korea, and Taiwan.
The Future: More Diversification, But No Full Relocation
Apple is reducing its China dependency by expanding in India and Southeast Asia. However, replicating Asia’s supply chain elsewhere is nearly impossible. The iPhone remains a global product with an Asian core
—and that won’t change soon.
