New Delhi, July 15 -- Apple announced on Tuesday that it will invest $500 million in MP Materials, a rare earth mining and processing company, as part of its effort to secure a domestic supply of critical minerals used in its products and reduce reliance on China.

The move aligns with Apple's broader strategy to shift more iPhone production and component sourcing to the United States, in step with Trump administration policies aimed at boosting US manufacturing and cutting dependence on Chinese imports.

Rare earth elements-17 specialized metals used in high-performance magnets-are vital for powering devices and electric motors.

China, which currently dominates global rare earth supply, halted exports in March amid a trade dispute with ...