A really thorough story by Kif Leswing on CNBC's website about why this idea of Apple (or other hi-tech companies) moving manufacturing to the United States is strictly fantasy. Kif is a technology and Apple expert who frequently contributes to CNBC, Gizmodo and Business Insider. The story points out, among other things, that it is not just about chips, but nearly 1500 other components and sub-components that are not manufactured in the US and are not starting up here any time....well or ever, not to mention the lack of expertise in equipment and process manufacturing to operate production lines as sophisticated as those at Foxconn as cost effectively as those in China. Just a couple of key excerpts below. Here’s how much a ‘Made in the USA’ iPhone would cost
While China is a medium portion of our overall imports it is a huge part of many sectors. 90% of artificial Christmas trees are made in China 80% of Christmas decorations are made in China 70% of Christmas lights are made in China 97% of Bikes are made in China 80% of active footwear is made in China 75% of cook wear is made in China It goes on and on and on.... NO CHRISTMAS FOR YOU!
I was thinking closer to $3500 but if you think it'll cost 77 million, that doesn't seem like a very good deal.
It’s how many votes he received. Curious how it would be if the vote was now? fwiw I wouldn’t buy a $3500 cell phone made in China if I can find one for less made in Japan, S Korea, Etc. At my age I need to get one of those Jitterbug phones with bigger letters. They’re probably made in China too. just looked. Made in China
How much would an Indian I phone cost in a few years? Thats the question. This war is all about taking power form China as far as I can tell. Who doesn't want that? Going to be like ripping off a band aid initially for sure. Have to wean our dependency on Chinese made shit at some point.. Could Apple Really Move iPhone Production Out of China and Still Keep Prices Down - The Mac Observer
Apple owns the tech package so setting up manufacturing will not be as difficult as some think. The bigger problem for Apple is how long before this beautiful phone that just happen to work and look like an iPhone shows up in the marketplace for under $400.
Honestly, it has already happened. It is just a niche product because branding is important for products consumed in front of others. But you can buy a OnePlus phone anytime you want.
I'm fairly sure that Apple will be easily be able to figure out a way to keep any non-Apple produced iPhones out of the Apple App store.
I don't pay for an iPhone now much less if the price spikes. I do have a couple macbooks that I love and a couple iPads, but their phones arent worth It to me
WSJ set up a panel of experts & they unanimously agreed that it would be impossible. "But shifting some manufacturing here? Not totally insane." https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/apple-iphone-us-manufacturing-f730c39c
