If you were thinking of renewing your old iPhone, maybe now it's time to do it.
Renew your iPhone right now
The measure announced by Trump, which imposes a additional 34% tariff To Chinese imports, it adds to 20% that was already in force, which raises the total figure to 54%. And although Apple has diversified part of its production to countries such as India, Vietnam or Malaysia, these countries are also included in new rates. Thus, the effect will be generalized in all products that depend on the Asian supply chain. According to estimates, Apple will be forced to increase the prices of the iPhone and the Apple Watch by 43%, those of the iPad by 42%and those of the MAC and the AirPods up to 39%.
The situation is so critical that some current models could reach stratospheric prices. The 16E iPhone, which now costs 599 dollars in the United States, could cost more than 850. The standard iPhone 16, with an initial price of $ 799, could exceed $ 1,140, standing at the level of the current iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The question that many are asked is: will Apple absorb part of the coup or transfer all the impact to the consumer? Some sources suggest that the company has been preparing for this situation and accelerated the internal supply of products in the United States to avoid an immediate increase. According to the Executive Decree signed by Trump, the goods that are in transit before April 9 will be exempt from tariffs.
However, when reservations begin to scarce, Apple will have to make difficult decisions. Uploading prices could stop demand, but not doing so could reduce its benefit margins and negatively impact the stock market value. Specialists are difficult for Apple not to rise At least 30 % The cost of its products.
Trump puts Apple in trouble
It is possible for Apple to delay the climb until the launch of the iPhone 17, scheduled for this fall. This indicates Angelo Zino, from CFRA Research, who believes that the company could contain prices for a few months. Even so, everything indicates that the next generation of devices will be more expensive.
In the past, Apple has already made its star products, such as the iPhone or Apple Watch, were exempt from Trump tariffs, but this time the story is different. At the moment, no exemptions have been granted and, according to the legal framework used (the International Emergency Economic Powers Law), any exception must leave directly from an order of the President. Cook has already tried to approach Trump, even with millionaire donations, but without success so far.
With this panorama, the expert's recommendation is clear: if you plan to buy an Apple device soon, you better not expect too much. There are already worrying signs in the market, such as the cancellation of the early orders of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the US, attributed directly to the impact of tariffs.
On April 9, new tariffs enter into force. And although there may still be changes, nothing guarantees that prices come down again. So, if your iPhone begins to give you problems, this could be the last train before the rates make it a luxury product.
