In a landmark move for American manufacturing, Apple has announced that 100% of the cover glass for all iPhones and Apple Watches will now be produced in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The company is investing $2.5 billion in Corning Inc.’s facility there, marking the first time this key component will be made entirely in the United States.
The announcement, made at a White House event on August 6, is part of Apple’s broader $600 billion commitment to U.S. investment under its American Manufacturing Program (AMP). It also comes with a promise to boost local jobs and innovation with Corning’s Kentucky workforce set to grow by 50%.
Apple’s decision to expand its partnership with Corning represents a major reshoring effort. The Harrodsburg plant, which has supplied glass to Apple since the original iPhone, will now become the exclusive global producer of the protective cover glass for all iPhones and Apple Watches.
“This is a proud moment for Apple and for American manufacturing,”
said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
“By investing here at home, we’re not only boosting local jobs we’re reinforcing our belief in the ingenuity and skill of American workers.”
The expansion includes the creation of the world’s largest and most advanced smartphone cover glass production line, as well as the launch of a new Apple-Corning Innovation Center focused on next-generation materials and manufacturing platforms.
It complements wider economic plans underway in the U.S. specifically the new focus under the Trump administration on reshoring manufacturing.
“America First means making things in America again,”
said President Donald Trump at the announcement event, where he was gifted a Kentucky-made glass plaque mounted on 24-karat gold.
“This is what winning looks like.”
The move also positions Apple to navigate looming trade challenges. With Trump threatening a 100% tariff on imported semiconductors, tech giants like Apple are seeking ways to insulate their supply chains. Apple’s $600 billion AMP strategy aims to bolster resilience by investing in U.S. suppliers and facilities across AI, silicon engineering, and now advanced materials.
Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr welcomed the development.
“This investment is transformative for Harrodsburg and the entire region. It means more jobs, more innovation, and more reasons for our kids to stay and thrive here at home.”
Experts note that full iPhone assembly remains overseas due to scale, cost, and component complexity.
“This is a significant step,”
said Corning CEO Wendell Weeks.
“But it’s important the public understands what’s changing and what isn’t. We’re proud to be making all the cover glass here but we’re not building whole phones in Kentucky.”
Apple’s expansion in Kentucky is about more than just glass. The new Apple-Corning Innovation Center will focus on developing future materials and precision manufacturing processes key elements for Apple’s roadmap in AI devices, wearables, and beyond.
A tweet from X.
Industry watchers say this could be a model for how Apple diversifies its global supply chain. The company has already expanded chip partnerships in Arizona and opened server facilities in Texas, all part of a broader shift to decentralize from China and increase production resilience.
“The Harrodsburg facility is just the beginning,”
said Cook.
“It shows what’s possible when technology, investment, and American craftsmanship come together.”
