Apple have just announced major investment into the United States, pledging upwards of $500,000,000,000 into new manufacturing and research that'll help create over 20,000 new jobs across the country.
US President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs on products manufactured in China caused shockwaves across tech and finance industries, as many of the biggest companies in the world rely on Chinese production to maintain supply - especially due to the proliferation of materials necessary for new tech in the country.
It was only recently that Apple announced that their China factories would be making use of humanoid robots to increase manufacturing efficiency, yet recent announcements from the company appears to suggest movement elsewhere.
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As reported by the Daily Mail, Apple have revealed plans to 'spend and invest' upwards of $500,000,000,000 on America in their 'largest-ever' spend commitment.
While it's clear that Apple certainly isn't strapped for cash, having posted staggering profits in the last quarter alone alongside holding significant cash reserves, this does signal a major push towards moving manufacturing and development to the States.
Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed: "We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we're proud to build on our long-standing US investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country's future.
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"From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we're thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we'll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.
This move is likely linked to a meeting between Cook and Trump the week prior, which has also been supported by a post by the president on Truth Social, where he outlined:
"Apple has just announced a record 500 billion dollar investment in the United States of America. The reason, faith in what we are doing, without which, they wouldn't be investing ten cents. Thank you Tim Cook and Apple!!!"
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It's indicated that part of the money invested is to be spent on a new factory in Texas, joining other major tech companies like SpaceX and Tesla in settling in the southern state.
Over 20,000 jobs are predicted to be created through this investment, and it could likely help Apple avoid the headache of tariffs that would either have to be stomached by the company or landed on the consumer.
Some have pointed out that Apple was able to secure various wavers in response to similar financial restrictions in Trump's first term, so it could perhaps be part of a deal where the most valuable company in the world avoids tariffs on existing China-sourced products.
Cook was also one of the many tech billionaires that donated to Trump's inauguration fund, contrasting someone like Bill Gates who has largely kept his distance from the current administration.