The iPhone 17 vary is predicted to incorporate a brand new, slimmer mannequin
A brand new report says that Apple is contemplating elevating iPhone costs to counter the impression of Trump’s tariffs, however has realized from Amazon to not say that is the rationale.
Whereas the US and China have introduced a short-term pause of their tariff dispute, there’s nonetheless a query of the semiconductor tariffs mentioned to be coming. Plus the brand new pause doesn’t have an effect on the 20% smartphone tariff imposed by Trump throughout his first administration.
In accordance with the Wall Avenue Journal, Apple has been working to get its suppliers to cut back prices. However it has reached the restrict of that method, and now considers elevating iPhone costs to be the least worst choice.
Citing two unspecified sources mentioned to be accustomed to the provision chain, the publication reviews that Apple is cautious of blaming tariffs for any worth rise. That is as a result of there was a declare in April that Amazon would show the extra prices attributable to tariffs.
The declare was instantly lambasted by the White Home, which referred to as it a “hostile and political act.” Amazon then issued a denial, saying it had by no means thought-about the change.
Consequently, Apple is conscious that any acknowledgement of the reality that it’s tariffs which are pushing up prices for it and shoppers, may endanger its ongoing dealings with Trump. It was by means of Tim Cook dinner‘s direct dealings with Trump that the president granted Apple a tariff exemption, though Trump instantly mentioned that he had performed no such factor.
The sources accustomed to the provision chain say that as an alternative of tariffs, Apple needs to have the ability to account for worth will increase by pointing to particular new options of the iPhone 17 vary. Nonetheless, it is not recognized which options these may very well be.
When Apple launches its 2025 vary of latest iPhones, it’s anticipated to incorporate a brand new, slimmer mannequin. It is not clear whether or not this mannequin may be made in nations dealing with decrease tariffs than China.
What is obvious is that higher-end fashions such because the iPhone 17 Professional and iPhone 17 Professional Max will proceed to be made in China.