Apple Inc. is preparing to open a major artificial intelligence research center in New York State, marking a significant expansion of its AI efforts outside of Silicon Valley. According to local and company sources, the new facility will be located in the Albany region and is expected to bring hundreds of high-paying tech jobs to the area over the next five years. The move aligns with Apple’s strategy to tap into top-tier research talent from East Coast universities, including Cornell, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Columbia.
Construction on the center is expected to begin later this year, with Apple targeting a mid-2026 opening. The facility will focus on developing advanced machine learning technologies, privacy-preserving AI systems, and potentially, generative AI applications that could rival offerings from OpenAI and Google. Officials say the project will also include partnerships with local academic institutions and offer internship and research collaboration opportunities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the development, calling it a “win for New York’s innovation economy” and a sign that the state is becoming a new magnet for the tech industry. Economic development incentives and infrastructure support from the state played a key role in Apple’s decision, insiders say.
The announcement comes amid a broader race among tech giants to establish regional AI hubs beyond traditional tech centers like San Francisco and Seattle. Apple’s choice of New York could spark further interest in the state from other major players in the sector.