Overview
- The Trump administration's 54% tariff on Chinese imports, effective April 9, threatens to significantly increase the cost of Apple products, including iPhones.
- Apple has been stockpiling inventory in the U.S. to temporarily avoid passing on tariff-related costs to consumers, potentially delaying price hikes until later in 2025.
- Analysts are divided on the timing of price increases, with some predicting adjustments as early as Memorial Day, while others expect delays until the iPhone 17 launch in the fall.
- Strategies under consideration by Apple include negotiating lower supplier costs, absorbing some of the tariff expenses, and diversifying its supply chain to reduce reliance on China.
- Apple may seek tariff exemptions from the U.S. government, though no formal announcements have been made regarding such efforts.