Imagine walking into an Apple Store in the US and finding out that your next iPhone might set you back $2,300. Nope, it's not a limited-edition, diamond-encrusted model — it's just the good ol' iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a bit of Trump-flavoured tariff on top.
Thanks to a new wave of hefty tariffs on imports from China and other major trading partners, the US might be staring down the barrel of a full-blown Apple price hike.
The Wall Street Journal reports that a 54% total markup could hit products assembled in China — which, fun fact, is where most iPhones are born, using parts shipped in from all over the world.
Apple, being Apple, isn’t likely to absorb that cost, and nor would any tech company. Instead, it will pass it on to the American customer. If that happens, the base iPhone 16, which is priced at $799, could jump to nearly $1,500. And the top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max? The 1TB variant could shoot up from $1,599 to an eye-watering $2,300.
India’s tamer tariffs could make it Apple’s preferred destination
Now here’s the twist: while Apple has been gradually shifting some of its manufacturing to places like Vietnam and India, not all production zones are treated equally in the great tariff game. Vietnam faces similar issues like China, but India — despite having a 26% import duty — is better off than China.
Moreover, Apple’s been going all-in on its India game. Thanks to a growing “Make in India” push, more and more iPhones sold locally, Apple has been raming up the number of iPhones it assembles here. That means fewer import costs, fewer global headaches, and surprisingly — potentially lower price tags. For once, our iPhones may actually be cheaper than theirs. Strange times.
NRIs, start calling your cousins
All of this spells a rather odd outcome: NRIs in the US may start calling in favours. Expect WhatsApp messages like “Bro, can you bring me an iPhone?” to become as common as “Let’s catch up soon.”
With US prices going through the roof and Indian-made iPhones possibly staying more grounded, you can expect your NRI cousin to ask you to bring them an iPhone when you visit.
Forget homemade pickles and masalas — the hottest item in an NRI’s suitcase this year might just be a shiny new iPhone 16.
Who would’ve thought? India, once mocked for getting new Apple products late, and paying through their nose for an iPhone, might now become the go-to source for affordable(ish) iPhones. From being behind the curve to leading the charge — now that’s an upgrade.
