Apple is accelerating automation in its manufacturing supply chain and making robotics a prerequisite for signing contracts with partners, DigiTimes reports.
If previously the company only recommended increasing the share of automated processes, now it requires suppliers to independently implement modern systems and finance the modernization at their own expense.
The requirement applies to all key products — iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch — according to sources. The policy is designed to reduce reliance on manual labor, equalize production quality across countries, minimize risks related to labor shortages and political instability, and reduce costs in the long term.
However, this creates financial pressure for suppliers: the high initial cost of equipment and the complexities of integrating robotic systems are already negatively affecting the profitability of some companies.
Despite this, Apple continues to invest in green projects across its supply chain. The company is supporting partners in the transition to energy-efficient equipment and sustainable materials, with the goal of achieving full carbon neutrality by 2030.
Apple hopes that through robotics it will be able to standardize production processes, increase supply stability, and ensure consistent product quality, even as production is increasingly dispersed outside of China.
Recall that on September 9, 2025, Apple will hold a presentation at which it will introduce the iPhone 17 and other new products.