The Apple iPhone has always been an expensive device to own, but users are now sweating about the possible price increase due to the White House tariffs. That has led to a surge in sales over the last few days, per The Wall Street Journal.
With the tariff rate against China raised an additional 50% on April 7 by the White House, the total has now reached 104%. Key Financial CEO Patti Brennan told CNET, "As for Apple, expect the prices to double for their products." That prediction means an Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max "could increase from $1,599 to more than $3,200," per the media outlet.
While that price escalation is still pure speculation, it hasn't stopped consumers from upgrading their phones now instead of waiting to see what happens. Customer Allison Post told The Wall Street Journal, "The tariffs for sure pushed me out the door. Why pay what might turn out to be double?” Her husband also splurged on a MacBook.
Apple has not released a statement about the China tariffs yet, but the media outlet reported the company is ramping up production in India to offset the likely price hike as a "short-term stopgap." The country was expected to make 25 million iPhones in 2025, which has now been increased by another 10 million, per Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan.
If production of the tech devices is moved to the U.S., the price tag would still increase for Americans. Research firm Wedbush told The Wall Street Journal that the cost would be about "$3,500" for consumers.
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