APPLE BACKS US RARE-EARTH MAGNETS SUPPLY CHAIN WITH $500 MILLION DEAL

Rare-earth elements are critical for making powerful magnets used in iPhones, Macs, and other gadgets, enabling features like MagSafe charging and efficient cooling systems.

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Apple's investment supports the creation of dozens of new jobs in research and manufacturing, fostering expertise in magnet production within the country. The partnership builds on Apple's efforts to use recycled materials, with nearly all magnets in its devices now made from 100% recycled rare earths, starting with the Taptic Engine.

The deal is part of Apple's broader $500 billion pledge to U.S. manufacturing, funded through its Advanced Manufacturing Fund launched in 2017. By sourcing magnets domestically, Apple addresses supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly amid trade tensions that have impacted rare-earth imports. The collaboration is expected to enhance magnet performance through innovative processing, benefiting future products.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS

Rare-earth elements, like neodymium, are vital for high-tech applications, forming strong magnets that power everything from smartphone speakers to electric vehicle motors.

These materials are scarce and mostly mined outside the U.S., with China dominating 70% of global production, raising concerns about supply stability and national security. Apple's deal with MP Materials, which operates the only U.S. rare-earth mine, aims to build a resilient domestic chain, from extraction to recycling.