Yes, Trump's new 25% Apple tariffs could increase iPhone prices. Should you buy one now?

Anyone interested in buying a new iPhone may want to consider taking action earlier than later. On Friday, President Donald Trump wrote on social media that Apple will be required to pay a 25% tariff on iPhones outside the United States, a move that will almost certainly lead to higher prices.

“I told Tim Cook a long time ago Apple I hope their iPhone will be sold in the US will be made in the US, not in India or anywhere else,” Trump said in the post.

Trump did not clarify whether the tariff would increase the current relevant tax on import taxes from China, India and other countries, nor did he provide a time frame for the implementation of this tariff.

This is the latest in the Trump administration's round-trip trade war. In early May, the United States and China agreed to put a 90-day pause on tariffs on most of their selling rates. A few days later, Trump warned Apple for moving U.S. iPhone production to India that the company now has its own temporary tariff pause (except baseline tariffs) before facing a 26% tariff in July. perhaps.

Experts say iPhone prices may be on the way, no matter what happens to tariffs.

“The price of iPhone will increase,” said Patrick Holland, executive editor of CNET. [hike] In 2020. ”

I recently showed up with a new iPhone 16 Pro shortly after Donald Trump announced the “Liberation Day” tariffs, but before he added most of his Apple products to the exemption list. While I have no regrets, I also make sure I can fit my budget comfortably.

I'm glad I did, but that doesn't mean you should rush to the Apple Store. If you are considering buying a new iPhone, here’s what you need to know about the current tariff conditions and how they affect prices in the coming months. You can also view our tracking of the reality of tariff impact on popular technology products through our tariff pricing tracker.

Read more: iPhone 17 Pro Rumors and Leaks: Here's What We've Learned So far

How much can tariffs increase iPhone prices? We do math

Companies don't always pass all the tariffs to customers at higher prices, but they can. If Apple decides to offset tariffs by raising prices, you may see a big increase.

Currently, iPhones produced in China are subject to a 30% tariff, including a 10% baseline and a 20% “fentanyl tariff” to allow the country to allow fentanyl to enter the U.S. role. India and other countries have 10% tariffs on goods. Here are the current tariffs and potential 25% Apple tariffs that could impact iPhone prices:

iPhones cost much more than simply assembled. Apple's products come from a wide range of countries that may face higher tariffs after a pause. Tariffs on goods do not necessarily mean that the price will increase by the same amount. If companies want to stay competitive, they can absorb some costs to keep prices down.

“In terms of tariffs, it won't be as high as 1-to-1,” Rees said. “Mathematics is not as clear as tariffs.”

Apple did not respond to a request for comment from an earlier version of the story.

When can we see iPhone prices rise?

It is not clear when prices will rise, but if companies sell from equipment produced before the tariff, they may have to increase the price of tariff freight products.

But even if Apple can’t completely avoid tariffs, it can offset the impact through its services, including its music, news and data plans.

“Apple will likely absorb some tariff costs ahead of time to keep sticker prices stable, and then gradually pass on its remaining price to consumers through service bundles, equipment life and ecosystem upgrades,” he said. “Consumers will still pay, just once.”

Regardless of how the tariff drama works, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple plans to raise iPhone prices later this year. Therefore, prices are expected to rise soon.

Is it better to buy iPhone and other technologies now or wait?

If you've already planned to buy a new iPhone, gaming console, MacBook or other technology, buying it now may save you money. However, if you don't need a new phone, the Netherlands recommends waiting.

“If the iPhone price goes up, you know that, like a car, the price of used iPhones can also go up,” he said. “If Apple does raise the price, then when you trade, you may offer more prices for your old iPhone, which should offset the price increase.”

If you don't have cash on hand and are considering using a credit card or buying it now, pay later to avoid tariffs, make sure you have the money to pay before you start charging interest. With the average interest rate on your credit card currently exceeding 20%, the cost of large purchase financing can quickly eliminate any savings you buy before the price rises due to tariffs.

“If you fund this fee on a credit card and cannot be fully paid in one to two months, you may end up spending more,” said Alaina Fingal, an accountant, founder of Organized Currency and a member of the CNET Currency Review Board. “I recommend you stop at any large purchases until the economy is more stable.”

Even if prices rise, one way to save on Apple products is to buy last year’s model instead of the latest or used one. Those who trade or sell second-hand can help offset the cost more.

“Apple tends toward this situation with a certified renovation program, just like the used car model in the automotive industry,” Hudicaka said. “The program helps extend the life of the device, allowing customers in the Apple ecosystem to spend longer while distributing costs over time.”

Watch the following: Buy or wait guide: How the tariffs will change technical prices and what to do next

01:21

What is the latest tariff?

On May 23, Trump threatened the minimum tariffs on all iPhones made outside the United States, putting pressure on tech giants to boost U.S. manufacturing. It is not clear whether this is a supplement to the new tariffs announced on Liberation Day.

On Liberation Day, Trump announced a 10% benchmark tariff on all imports and on reciprocal tariffs on imports from more than 180 countries. He quickly announced a 90-day pause on the countdown tariffs, but would impose a baseline levy.

The tariffs Trump has long touted are a way to even trade deficits and raise incomes to offset tax cuts, although many economists say tariffs could lead to higher prices and could ultimately harm the U.S. economy. Shares plummeted after Trump announced the news as the market was less responsive to the widespread tariffs.

Trump has taken a particularly firm stance on China, which has been subject to tariffs ordered by Trump in his first term in office. He began in February, imposing a 20% tariff, and then in April, 34% tariffs on Chinese goods. He increased the tariff by 50%, and then eventually landed on the 145% tariff on China. After each of Trump's announcements, China responded with its own tariffs. They agreed to a deal reached this week, reducing its countdown tariffs by 115 percentage points to 90 days.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection lists some key consumer electronic devices, but Trump said the products will still be subject to 20% fentanyl tariffs. White House officials say the probation on additional tariffs is temporary and these products will be subject to “semiconductor tariffs.”

Even before Trump announced tariffs, Apple's largest supplier in India issued nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones in March, according to customs records. Apple may report that it may offer iPhones from India to the U.S. market by the end of 2026, though perhaps not all. Trump recently said he pushed Apple CEO Tim Cook to shift U.S. iPhone production from India to the U.S.

But at least, due to labor costs and logistics, at least for now, the cost of producing to the United States can be high.

In theory, tariffs are intended to affect other countries financially because their goods are being taxed. The tariffs are paid for importing products from U.S. companies, and this UpCharge usually (but not always) transfers it to consumers at a higher price.