U.S. technology giant Apple has announced a sweeping, long-term investment in Türkiye, unveiling ambitious plans to establish a network of five developer academies, a dedicated developer center in Istanbul, and its very first manufacturing academy located outside the United States. The landmark initiative is designed to significantly bolster the country’s rapidly growing digital economy and technology sector, providing vital infrastructure for a new wave of local talent.
The comprehensive investment aims to support and empower a new generation of software developers, digital entrepreneurs, and industrial manufacturers, while strategically positioning Türkiye as a leading international hub for application development and advanced production, according to a formal statement released by the company.
The announcement follows high-level engagements in Ankara, highlighting the strong collaborative foundation between Apple leadership and Turkish authorities. The strategic partnership underscores a shared vision for technological advancement, digital literacy, and industrial modernization.
Expanding Developer Academies Across Türkiye
At the core of Apple’s nationwide initiative is the rollout of five Developer Academies over the next three years. The rollout will begin with the opening of the country’s inaugural facility in Istanbul in 2027, laying the groundwork for a broader national expansion.
These academies will provide free, intensive nine-month training programs meticulously crafted to cover critical disciplines, including coding, software design, digital marketing, project management, and artificial intelligence. By offering this comprehensive curriculum, the academies aim to equip students, aspiring creators, and future entrepreneurs with the practical skills required to pursue successful careers in the rapidly expanding global app economy.
Apple noted that these new facilities will seamlessly integrate into its established global network of 19 developer academies. Since 2013, these international academies have provided transformative training opportunities worldwide. The expansion into Türkiye will allow thousands of additional students to access these world-class educational programs locally, bridging the gap between raw talent and industry readiness.
Istanbul to Host Advanced Developer Center
In tandem with the developer academies, Apple plans to establish a prominent Developer Center in Istanbul in 2027. This specialized facility will offer local developers, technology startups, and digital entrepreneurs direct access to advanced tools, cutting-edge technologies, and deep technical expertise.
The Istanbul center is designed to be a vibrant community hub, organizing regular in-person events, specialized workshops, and individualized consultations. These resources are intended to help local developers significantly improve the design, quality, performance, and user experience of applications within Apple’s vast global ecosystem.
When it opens, the Istanbul facility will join Apple’s elite group of existing developer centers located in major global innovation hubs, including Bengaluru, Berlin, Cupertino, Shanghai, and Singapore. Through routine training sessions and direct, ongoing engagement with Apple specialists, the center aims to energize Türkiye’s application development community and foster an enduring culture of homegrown innovation.
First Manufacturing Academy Outside the United States
In a particularly significant milestone for the region, Apple will open a state-of-the-art Manufacturing Academy in Ankara in 2028. This facility marks the company’s first manufacturing academy outside the United States and only its second worldwide, highlighting Türkiye’s strategic importance in Apple’s global industrial outlook.
The Ankara academy will provide free training and professional consultancy services tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), students, and industrial entrepreneurs. The curriculum will focus heavily on modernizing traditional industries through artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing methodologies, and advanced production technologies.
Designed to be a collaborative workspace, the facility will feature hands-on training laboratories, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops. These environments are structured to encourage professional networking, cross-industry collaboration, and the effective sharing of technical knowledge among local manufacturers.
Apple emphasized that the manufacturing academy will play a crucial role in helping Turkish manufacturers successfully adopt emerging technologies, accelerate internal innovation, and substantially improve their competitiveness on the international stage.
Reflecting Decades of Collaboration
Reflecting on the monumental announcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company’s enduring 35-year presence in Türkiye, describing the new investment as a profound commitment to supporting the country’s next wave of innovators, creators, and business leaders.
"Türkiye’s developer community is creating apps used around the world, while small and medium-sized businesses are generating opportunities across the country," Cook stated, acknowledging the dynamic talent already thriving within the Turkish market.
He added that the multi-faceted initiative will provide local developers and businesses with the necessary training, institutional resources, and direct access to Apple experts, ultimately helping them transform innovative ideas into commercially successful projects with global reach.
The planned facilities collectively reflect Apple’s broader corporate strategy to expand technology education, champion digital entrepreneurship, and strengthen modern manufacturing capabilities across Türkiye, cementing a long-term partnership built on innovation and shared growth.