Washington: Apple has announced plans to extend its manufacturing presence in the United States with the introduction of the American Manufacturing Program (AMP), backed by a $600 billion investment over the next four years.
At a ceremonial event at the White House, Apple CEO Tim Cook also presented a symbolic gift to President Donald Trump. A specially designed commemorative piece, the gift is an artifact, which Cook described as the only one of its kind, was crafted entirely in the United States. It features a circular glass component manufactured by Corning, the company responsible for producing the glass used in iPhones, mounted on a 24-karat gold base sourced from Utah.
The glass element bears the inscription “President Donald Trump” alongside Apple’s iconic logo, the signature of Tim Cook and the year “2025.” It was designed by a former U.S. Marine Corps corporal now employed at Apple.
During the press conference, Cook noted Apple’s long-term vision to reposition the U.S. as a global hub for technological innovation and advanced manufacturing. He confirmed that the AMP will be developed in partnership with more than ten companies, including Corning, Coherent, GlobalWafers America, Applied Materials, Amkor, Texas Instruments, Samsung, GlobalFoundries and Broadcom. These firms will be contributing key components for Apple’s product lines.
The announcement from Apple comes after the U.S. government’s increasing pressure on technology companies to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing.
Tim Cook stated, “We're proud to increase our investments across the United States to $600 billion over four years and launch our new American Manufacturing Program.”
Apple is expanding our US commitment to $600 billion over the next four years. And our new American Manufacturing Program will bring even more jobs and advanced manufacturing to the US. pic.twitter.com/6KWkTGJN3O
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 6, 2025
"We believe deeply in the promise of this great nation." - @Apple CEO @tim_cook pic.twitter.com/9oeTqxbM8A
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 7, 2025
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Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
