U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports could force Apple to raise iPhone prices significantly across global markets.
The cost of an iPhone could rise by 30% to 43% if the tariffs are factored into retail prices.
For example, the base iPhone 16, currently priced at $799 in the U.S., could rise to approximately $1,142, while the high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max may see its price climb from $1,599 to nearly $2,300. Even the entry-level iPhone 16e, launched at $599, could jump to $856.
Most iPhones are still made in China, where they are subject to a 54% tariff under the new U.S. trade measures. Apple now faces the choice of absorbing these higher costs or passing them on to consumers.
Unlike in Trump’s first term, no exemptions have been granted for Apple this time.
Apple sells over 220 million iPhones annually, with major markets including the U.S., Europe, and China. Though production has gradually expanded to countries like Vietnam and India, both were also hit with tariffs—Vietnam with 46% and India with 26%.
Apple may hold off on major price adjustments until the launch of the iPhone 17 later this year. However, the company could be pressured to implement price increases sooner, especially if no exemptions are granted.
The tariffs arrive at a time when iPhone demand is already under pressure. Apple’s new “Apple Intelligence” features—such as AI-powered notifications and ChatGPT integration—have yet to strongly drive upgrades or boost sales.
A sharp price hike could further weaken Apple’s performance and give an advantage to competitors such as Samsung, which is less affected by U.S. tariffs due to South Korea’s lower exposure. Some forecasts suggest Apple may lose up to $40 billion depending on the scale of the impact.
While Apple has yet to issue an official statement, negotiations with both Chinese authorities and the White House are likely. For now, global consumers may need to prepare for the possibility of considerably more expensive iPhones in the near future.
