Apple is considering implementing a price increase for the next generation of iPhones. Interestingly, it doesn’t blame the US import tariffs for this.
Those already saving for the iPhone 17 will need to budget a bit extra. According to Wall Street Journal, Apple is reviewing its prices, which are already not on the low side. How much more expensive the iPhone 17 could be compared to its predecessor and whether it concerns global price increases remains to be seen. Apple itself has not yet communicated about this.
The reason given for the price increases is not the one you might expect. The US import tariffs have nothing to do with it. Apple reportedly even deliberately doesn’t want to hide behind them, writes Wall Street Journal. A potential price increase in the iPhone 17 line would be the result of design adjustments and new features.
Apple is keeping secret what these new features are for now. During WWDC in June, Apple will unveil the new iOS version. The new iPhones will very likely be packed with AI features, and those cost money. In terms of design, Apple reportedly wants to launch an ‘ultra-thin’ iPhone.
Import Tariffs
The impact of the import tariffs announced by Trump is limited according to Apple, at least based on the explanation we’re getting now. The import tariffs are already causing a lot of uncertainty among PC and smartphone manufacturers, but it might all turn out to be a storm in a teacup. After China threatened with counter-duties, Trump opted for a softer approach, and both countries are now at the negotiating table.
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Nevertheless, Apple is playing it safe and reducing its dependence on China for global logistics. The center of gravity for the production of the high-end Pro and Pro Max models would remain in China, but the base model is being moved to India as much as possible. Those plans could be complicated if tensions between India and Pakistan don’t settle down quickly.