Apple's iPhone prices potentially increasing due to Trump's proposed 25% tariff on goods from India - current updates summarized
In a significant move, the United States has imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on all imports from India, effective from August 7, 2025. This tariff, with an additional secondary 25% set to start on August 27, 2025, could potentially impact technology companies like Apple, especially as the tech giant manufactures several products, including iPhones, in Indian facilities.
The tariffs could increase the cost of Apple devices if they are classified as imports from India and not exempted. This might affect retail prices or profit margins, potentially making the upcoming iPhone 17 series more expensive than the iPhone 16 series launch prices globally, including in India.
However, there are some exemptions listed under Executive Order 14257 and its annexes, which may exclude certain products. As of now, there is no public indication that Apple’s devices fall under these exceptions. Trade talks between the U.S. and India remain ongoing, but until a resolution is reached, likely by October 2025, these tariffs remain in force.
Ashish Singh, the Chief Copy Editor at our platform with experience in tech journalism since 2020, closely follows these developments. His gadget habit is fueled by coffee, and he strategizes his next virtual race and plots a road trip to test the latest in-car tech when not policing commas.
Notably, Apple has been exempt from both the existing and new India-specific tariffs, a decision that came shortly after Apple CEO Tim Cook met with President Donald Trump at the White House and announced an additional $100 billion in US manufacturing investments.
The tariff hike program applies to nearly 200 countries, with import duties ranging from 10% to 50%. Switzerland is among the countries facing significant increases under the new policy. The specific details of the separate tariff framework for Apple devices are yet to be revealed.
The newly imposed tariffs will effectively double the import duty on Indian goods to 50%. Trump accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort by fueling the war machine through energy trade. This tariff regime marks one of the most significant U.S. tariff hikes in decades and affects imports broadly, putting upward pressure on prices for Indian-made goods including electronics.
There are widespread rumors that Apple may raise the prices of the iPhone 17 series due to these tariffs and other factors. However, until the specific details of the tariff framework for Apple devices are disclosed, it remains uncertain how these costs will be passed on to consumers.
The tariffs' impact on technology companies could lead to increased costs for Apple devices, potentially making the iPhone 17 series more expensive than the iPhone 16 series launch prices. Finance experts are closely monitoring the tariff framework for Apple devices to determine how these costs might be passed on to consumers.
