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Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why It's Nearly Impossible For Apple To Make iPhones In The U.S.
Apple is under pressure to return manufacturing to the U.S. but the solution is not a simple ... More one.(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) As I have written here before, I have extensive experience in global manufacturing and what it takes to build a world-class operation that produces high-quality products in large quantities. Because of this understanding and decades of experience in this field, I get frustrated when someone suggests that a company just move its manufacturing to the U.S. without understanding what it would take and how long it would take to build out such an operation. The current administration keeps beating this drum about making iPhones in the U.S., driven by economic nationalism, supply chain resilience concerns, and growing interest in "reshoring" advanced manufacturing. But compelling as the narrative may be at first blush, the realities on the ground—and in the supply chain—paint a far more complex picture. Let's be clear: It's not that Apple won't manufacture iPhones in the U.S.—it's that, under current conditions, it can't. Understanding why requires a deep dive into the very DNA of how Apple builds products at a global scale. At the core of each iPhone lies a supply chain ecosystem intensely localized to East Asia, specifically China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and more recently, Vietnam and India. Over the last two decades, the region has constructed an ultra-efficient, hyper-specialized cluster of parts suppliers, tooling specialists, and final assemblers. Apple does not simply contract out Foxconn or Pegatron; it has the benefit of an integrated network where the screws, camera, circuit board, batteries, and lenses are all made—typically within a 30 to 50-mile radius of the final assembly factory. The U.S., on the other hand, doesn't have this ecosystem. It would take rebuilding an entire industrial base, eroded since the 1990s, to manufacture an iPhone in the U.S.—and that's not a one or two-year task. We're looking at a decade-long shift at a minimum. Tim Cook has noted that Apple can locate 8,700 industrial engineers in China in weeks. It would take nine months or more to accomplish this in the United States. That is not because American workers are less skilled—it is because the workforce is not sized or trained for this type of high-volume, precision electronics assembly. In China, millions of laborers are ready to shift into high-tech manufacturing at a moment's notice. They live near enormous campuses built for this purpose and often in dormitory-style accommodations. There is no such industrial flexibility in the United States—not on that scale or speed. I have been to one of these campuses and talked to some of these Apple-trained employees. Many were brought to these campuses from working in the fields with their families and had very little prospect for better-paying jobs. Apple offered to train them through what we would call a trade school-like education, and this gave Apple a dedicated workforce that became skilled at making iPhones and other electronic devices. It would likely double or triple the cost of each unit if Apple were to manufacture iPhones domestically. Labor costs, investment in infrastructure, and the need to fly in or replicate Asia-based component vendors would make local manufacturing unviable—at least without passing on the cost to the consumer or taking a margin hit. And for a company such as Apple, which has to keep up with global competitors in innovation and cost structure, that simply does not compute. There have been demands from the public and the government to pressure Apple to "bring jobs home." Well-intentioned though they are, they overlook the fundamental reality: you can't relocate a hyper-optimized worldwide supply chain overnight. Tax subsidies and credits help, but they don't account for the pure complexity of re-engineering logistics, manufacturing equipment, and worker training at a national scale. Apple does have to its credit some U.S.-based manufacturing investments—like the Mac Pro in Texas and the new chip fab investments via its partners. But the iPhone is a different beast. It's Apple's highest-volume, most complicated product. Landing it on U.S. shores would be like transplanting a rainforest into the desert. Apple not producing iPhones in the U.S. is not a failure of patriotism—it's an indicator of the new realities of global tech manufacturing. The U.S. can play a greater part in this ecosystem, especially in semiconductor R&D and next-generation materials science. Still, manufacturing iPhones at home would require nothing short of a renaissance in manufacturing. Although Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has a serious balancing act ahead of him in dealing with this administration's demands, bringing this type of manufacturing to the U.S. anytime soon is impossible. Apple will continue to manufacture where infrastructure, talent, and supply chain allow it to produce at scale—with precision, efficiency, and speed. In consumer electronics, these three are essential for success. Disclosure: Apple subscribes to Creative Strategies research reports along with many other high tech companies around the world.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
DMV Scam Texts Target Multiple States. What You Must Know
A person prepares to enter a New York State DMV on April 28, 2025 in New York City. Credit - Michael M. Santiago—2025 Getty Images Authorities and Department of Motor Vehicles offices (DMVs) officials across multiple U.S. states have released advisories to their citizens to look out for scam texts that are attempting to manipulate drivers into paying a fake 'outstanding toll.' The prevalence of the text scams ramped up throughout May, leading to various states issuing warnings and advice, ultimately telling members of the public to watch out for messages claiming to be from the DMV. 'These scammers flood phones with these texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting New Yorkers into handing over their personal information,' said New York DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder in an press release. 'DMV will not send you texts asking for your personal information.' Here's what you need to know about the DMV scam texts and how you can best protect yourself: The spam texts have spanned across the United States, with Illinois, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Colorado, Vermont, Texas, and California among the states that have issued alerts. Though their advisories differ, all authority boards have made clear that the DMV does not, and will not, send customers unsolicited requests for payments and personal information. In Illinois, Secretary of State Alexander Giannoulias issued a stark warning, stating that the Illinois DMV will only send out text messages for appointment reminders. 'Phishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,' Giannoulias said. In Florida, the state DMV has created a webpage to alert drivers about the scam, reminding locals that the FLDMV 'will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest.' Some local police and civic associations in states like New York and New Jersey have posted warnings across social media, too. The Warren Township Police Department in New Jersey shared a notice on Facebook on May 31, alerting locals of the 'recent increase' in the scam texts. According to screenshot examples placed on government websites, the texts vary state-by-state, but they tend to include a warning that if the recipient does not pay an outstanding traffic ticket, they will encounter a penalty. Recipients are told they could lose their vehicle registration or driving privileges, potentially see a toll booth charge increase, see their credit score impacted, or even risk prosecution. Some of the websites—the "click here" links—listed in the text messages include terms mirroring '.gov' in an effort to appear legitimate. In New Jersey, many of the scam messages have included links involving variations of "ezpassnj." 'New Jersey State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 30,' one spam text circulating New Jersey stated, according to a screenshot shared in a warning by the City of Linden. The scam message continued: 'Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket… Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license dispensation and further legal disputes.' The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a website with consumer advice, which suggests various steps people can take to protect themselves from text message scams. First, those who receive the text can copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM), which could allow your provider to 'block similar messages in the future.' People can also report it to the FTC directly on the government website. In general, the DMVs of these multiple states advise their citizens to be cautious of all communications they receive, even if those messages come from claimed 'trusted sources,' and to never send personal and sensitive information via text or email. In its public notice, the Warren Township Police Department advised recipients of the text scam to follow four key steps: Delete the message immediately Do NOT click any links or provide any information Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at If you're unsure about your DMV status, visit the official DMV website directly or contact them by phone Generally speaking, scammers are known for creating a sense of urgency, often giving a deadline or listing serious consequences—such as the loss of driving privileges, in this case—in order to prompt a swift response from victims. David Brumley, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, told TIME in 2024 that the best way to protect yourself from scams is to be alert and, if you are unsure if a text is legitimate, call the department or business directly to confirm, before taking any further action. Murat Kantarcioglu, a professor of computer science at Virginia Tech, told TIME earlier this year that people should also make sure they are informing their older relatives of any prevalent scams, as they may be less tech-savvy and more vulnerable. 'I think everyone should make it their mission to educate the older people in their family about these issues,' said Kantarcioglu, adding that it's best not to answer text messages from unverified senders or engage in phone conversations with people you don't know. Contact us at letters@
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Democratic lawmakers in Montana urge defense of Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood signage is seen in the Financial District neighborhood of Manhattan on April 16, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Democratic lawmakers in Montana asked the state's congressional delegation Tuesday to defend 'affordable health care access' for Montanans and oppose efforts to 'defund' Planned Parenthood and 'slash Medicaid' in the reconciliation bill under consideration in Washington, D.C. The letter, signed by Democratic legislative leaders in the Montana House and Senate plus 45 other legislators, said Planned Parenthood is a 'trusted, irreplaceable part' of the state's health care system, and it has served communities for more than 55 years. 'We write in support of the thousands of Montanans who rely on Planned Parenthood health centers, especially those who live in rural, remote and medically-underserved communities where Planned Parenthood is the only provider who can care for patients, many of which are Medicaid recipients,' said the letter. The lead signers to the letter were Rep. Katie Sullivan of Missoula and Sen. Pat Flowers of Belgrade, minority leaders in the House and Senate, respectively. The massive tax and spending bill is in the U.S. House, and Republican Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Tuesday it still has 'a number of loose ends to tie up,' according to States Newsroom's Washington, D.C. bureau. The letter from Montana Democrats was directed to U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy and U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing, all Republicans. Daines, Sheehy and Zinke did not respond Tuesday to requests for comment. Downing, however, said many Americans don't want federal money to pay for abortions. 'For too long, the U.S. government has subsidized abortions at Planned Parenthood with complete disregard for the sincerely held beliefs of millions of Americans,' said Congressman Downing in an email from his office. 'If the brutality of abortion should exist in this country, may it never receive another penny of federal funding.' Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana describes Planned Parenthood as the largest provider of sexual and reproductive health care in Montana, with four health centers in the state and telehealth services for thousands of patients, including Medicaid recipients. The advocacy group said Planned Parenthood is like any other health care provider, with health centers reimbursed through health programs like Medicaid: 'Medicaid funds are not used for abortion other than in rare exceptions due to the Hyde Amendment.' The federal law known as the Hyde Amendment disallows federal funds for abortion except to save the life of the parent or for pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. Mary Sullivan, with Planned Parenthood Advocates, said language in the bill is specifically pointed at Planned Parenthood, but because the Hyde Amendment already restricts funding for abortion, the effect would be a limit on other services. 'Really, where they're drawing the line is birth control, cancer screenings, STI (sexually transmitted infection) screenings,' Sullivan said. The bill (Sec. 44126) identifies entities prohibited from receiving funds as nonprofit organizations that receive more than $1 million and are 'primarily engaged in family planning services, reproductive health, and related medical care.' Sullivan, of Planned Parenthood Advocates, said if health care centers were forced to close, many patients would have nowhere to turn, and the health care landscape in Montana is 'already overwhelmed.' In a statement, Quinn Leighton, with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana, said the organization would continue to work to ensure care remains available and affordable for Montanans. 'Every Montanan, no matter where they live or how much money they have, deserves access to essential, affordable health care,' Leighton said. A 2025 public opinion report about abortion and reproductive health policy said respondents generally opposed 'a number of actions' the Trump administration could take, including taking away funds from Planned Parenthood. 'Opposition crosses party lines — with about four in 10 Trump voters or more in opposition (including 63% who oppose taking away funds from Planned Parenthood),' said the report from PerryUndem, which describes itself as a nonpartisan public opinion research firm. In the letter from Democrats, the legislators said the consequences of 'defunding' Planned Parenthood 'could be catastrophic.' 'No other provider would be able to fill the gap left by Planned Parenthood, and making cuts to Medicaid would put rural hospitals and medical centers in jeopardy,' the letter said. A separate letter Monday organized by the State Innovation Exchange's Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council described the prohibition in the federal bill as the latest in 'politically motivated attacks' against Planned Parenthood and abortion providers. The letter was signed by 562 lawmakers from all 50 states, according to the council.
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Cucumber Recall Map as Salmonella Outbreak Sparks Investigation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A recall for cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc. in Florida has been issued amid the fear of potential salmonella contamination. A salmonella outbreak investigation is also ongoing, as nearly 30 people have been reported sick related to the recalled cucumbers. Newsweek attempted to reach Bedner Growers by phone on Tuesday for comment but was unable to leave a voicemail. Why It Matters Numerous recalls have been initiated in 2025 due to the potential for damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination and undeclared food allergens. Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or food allergies every year. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nine "major" food allergens in the U.S. are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, Crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts. The FDA warns that salmonella can sometimes cause fatal infections in the elderly, young children, or people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Cucumbers for sale at a Whole Foods store in New York City on February 3, 2025. Cucumbers for sale at a Whole Foods store in New York City on February 3, 2025. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What To Know The FDA issued an alert on Tuesday stating that Bedner Growers is recalling cucumbers sold at Bedner's Farm Fresh Markets from April 29, 2025, to May 14, 2025. The markets are located in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach, Florida. The impacted cucumbers were also sold to a wholesale distributor. "Because the recalled cucumbers do not bear any stickers or other labeling, customers should discard and not consume any cucumbers that were purchased at these locations," the alert says. The current recall excludes cucumbers for sale or any additional agricultural products. The salmonella outbreak investigation has shown that 26 people have been reported sick and 9 people have been hospitalized in relation to the cucumbers. Below is a map of the states where the illnesses have been reported: What People Are Saying The FDA, in its recall alert: "All cucumbers currently available for sale at Bedner's Farm Fresh Markets were not grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., as the company is no longer producing, packing, or selling any cucumbers because the growing season has concluded." The FDA on the salmonella outbreak investigation: "As part of a follow-up inspection in April 2025, FDA investigators collected an environmental sample from Bedner Growers, Inc. that was positive for Salmonella and matched recent clinical samples from ill people, by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis." The FDA continued, "The recent follow-up inspection was in response to the 2024 Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup outbreaks linked to cucumbers grown at Bedner Growers, Inc. Additionally, FDA's traceback investigation has identified Bedner Growers, Inc. as the common grower of cucumbers in this current outbreak." What Happens Next Customers who have purchased the recalled product can call Bedner Growers at 866-222-9180 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Nationwide Outage Knocks Out Passport Verification
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A nationwide outage caused passport verification to be unavailable on Wednesday afternoon. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias posted about the outage on social media on Wednesday morning, urging residents to call before visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles for passport verification. The U.S. Passport Verification Service allows driver's license agencies to verify data against the Department of Homeland Security's system. Why It Matters State DMVs have been flooded with visitors as many Americans look to get a REAL ID since it became mandatory at airports earlier this month. Passports are also a valid form of identification, so the delay in passport verification services could potentially affect soon-to-be travelers. Customers wait at a DMV location in New York City on April 28, 2025. Customers wait at a DMV location in New York City on April 28, 2025. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What To Know The nationwide outage occurred Wednesday morning, but it is unclear where it stands this afternoon. The Illinois Secretary of State's office said DMVs are operating as usual despite the outage for passport verification. "We activated a process that we put in place to enable us to process U.S. passports and immigration documents from other countries at our DMV facilities. We are not experiencing any delays at our DMVs as a result," the office told CBS Chicago. "We are actively working with our DHS partners to provide an update to states so service can be restored as soon as possible," the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) told The Hill, saying the issue should be resolved by the afternoon. Newsweek reached out to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators for comment via email. What People Are Saying Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias posted on X Wednesday: "Due to a nationwide outage, U.S. passport verification is currently unavailable. We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Please call 800-252-8980 before visiting our DMVs as services or hours may be impacted." A TSA spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "TSA has no concerns [about security wait times on and beyond May 7. State Department of Motor Vehicles have done a great job of preparing their residents for REAL ID implementation on May 7." What Happens Next As the REAL ID requirements go into effect this month, an increasing number of Americans will likely need to set up an appointment with their local DMV for a REAL ID license or passport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) previously said that over 80 percent of air travelers already present REAL ID-compliant identification. Those without a REAL ID or passport could face long security delays or potentially not board planes at all.
