Apple & Michigan State University partner to boost US manufacturing skills

Apple and Michigan State University are opening a free manufacturing training academy in Detroit to help U.S. suppliers modernize their operations.

Opening in summer 2025 in Detroit's First National Building, the Apple Manufacturing Academy will offer virtual and in-person training to small and mid-sized manufacturers. The program will focus on smarter manufacturing, AI integration, and supply chain optimization.

It also builds on an existing relationship. Since 2021, MSU and Apple have operated the Apple Developer Academy in Detroit with support from the Gilbert Family Foundation.

That program has trained around 200 students per year in app development. The new academy shifts the focus to industrial production, with an emphasis on digital transformation for physical goods.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said the university's strengths in supply chain management, engineering, and logistics make it a strong fit for the partnership. He also framed it as part of the school's broader mission to solve real-world problems and support community outreach.

The program complements Apple's other domestic efforts, including U.S.-based investments in chipmaker Amkor and plans to source components from facilities in Arizona and Texas.

National reach & strategic return

Apple will benefit strategically from the partnership. The academy supports the company's efforts to present itself as an American manufacturing ally while its core supply chain remains heavily concentrated overseas.

The launch also aligns with recent federal initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to bring high-tech manufacturing back to the U.S.

As of 2024, Apple relies contract manufacturers in China, India, and Vietnam for most of its hardware production. While the academy marks a step toward domestic investment, Apple's core supply chain still depends heavily on overseas production.

There is also a question of scale. While Apple and MSU say the academy will serve small and mid-sized manufacturers, they haven't disclosed how many businesses will participate or how impact will be measured.

Apple's developer academy in Detroit

Additionally, the emphasis on AI and smart manufacturing brings promise but also risk. These technologies can drive efficiency for Apple Intelligence but may also accelerate job losses, particularly for low-skill workers.

The academy doesn't appear to include a plan for addressing labor displacement, reskilling, or long-term workforce support.

Geography could be another limitation

Detroit was a logical choice, given Apple's existing presence and the city's industrial legacy. But while virtual options exist, companies in rural areas or without strong digital infrastructure may find it harder to benefit.

Limited broadband access and outdated equipment can make it difficult to participate in training or adopt modern manufacturing tools. These barriers could widen the gap between well-connected firms and those in rural regions.

For MSU, the partnership aligns with its research strengths, but it also pushes the university deeper into corporate workforce development. That may raise concerns about academic independence and the role of public universities in serving private sector goals.

Still, the program has real potential. If implemented well, it could give smaller manufacturers access to tools and knowledge that have mostly been reserved for large firms.

It may also serve as a model for future collaborations between tech companies and public institutions.