Apple to open five developer academies in Türkiye, starting in Istanbul in 2027

Apple has announced a long-term investment in Türkiye: five developer academies, a developer center and a manufacturing academy. The goal, the company says, is to support new creators, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, and help Türkiye become a leading hub for international app development.

What happened?

The announcement comes with a package of programs. Five Apple Developer Academies will open over the next three years, and the first one arrives in Istanbul in 2027.

Each academy will run free, intensive nine-month programs. They cover coding, design, marketing, project management and artificial intelligence. Apple says it has run such academies since 2013, and there are 19 around the world.

Istanbul will also get an Apple Developer Center in 2027. It will offer developers and start-ups new tools and resources, access to Apple experts, and in-person events, workshops and one-on-one appointments. It joins centers in Bengaluru, Berlin, Cupertino, Shanghai and Singapore.

Why is it a big deal?

The most unusual piece is in Ankara. In 2028, Apple will open an Apple Manufacturing Academy there. It will be the company's second, and the first outside the United States.

It will offer free training and advice to small and medium-sized businesses, students and entrepreneurs. The idea is to help them adopt artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing techniques. Expect a hands-on lab, live demos, workshops and shared spaces for networking.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company has served customers in Türkiye for 35 years. "Türkiye's developer community builds apps used around the world," he said, adding that small and medium-sized businesses create opportunity across the country.

What does the government say?

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said he was pleased with the programs. He wrote that he attended President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's meeting with Cook, and that Türkiye "will continue to grow the digital economy with its qualified workforce."

What came before?

Cook's visit to Ankara has been busy. Earlier on Monday he visited Anıtkabir (Atatürk's mausoleum), shared tea and simit with Eda Erdem, and was received by Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex.

What's next?

The Istanbul academy and developer center are due in 2027, and the Ankara manufacturing academy in 2028. Locations of the other four academies were not named.