Apple's Upcoming iPhones May Get a Price Hike Amid Tariff Pressures and New Features
Apple may raise iPhone prices this fall, linking the hike to new features and designs while navigating U.S.-China tariffs and shifting production to India.
Apple’s Upcoming iPhones May Get a Price Hike Amid Tariff Pressures and New Features
Apple is reportedly gearing up to raise prices for its upcoming iPhone lineup expected to launch this fall. While the tech giant hasn’t officially commented, sources cited by The Wall Street Journal suggest Apple is tactically distancing the price increase from the ongoing U.S.-China tariff tension, instead attributing it to advanced features and cutting-edge designs.
New Features May Justify the Hike
According to anonymous insiders within the supply chain, Apple could justify the price changes through innovations like ultra-thin builds and upgraded technology in its 2025 iPhones. With rumors swirling about a sleek, ultra-thin model and enhanced designs, Apple may be shifting focus from political reasons to product evolution to soften customer reaction.
Tariff Impact Looms Large
Despite not publicly linking tariffs to pricing, the financial toll is undeniable. Increased import taxes are expected to cost Apple approximately $900 million in Q3 alone. However, Apple is actively countering this impact by shifting a growing portion of its iPhone production from China to India, helping to reduce dependency and dodge the full brunt of U.S. tariffs.
Temporary Tariff Relief Offers Brief Respite
On a broader scale, the U.S. and China recently agreed to a 90-day pause on new reciprocal tariffs, creating a temporary buffer. The U.S. government has also granted exemptions for smartphones and other tech goods, sparing Apple from even steeper import costs — at least for now. However, a blanket 20% tariff on certain Chinese products still applies, keeping pressure on manufacturers.
A Vision for 2027: A Curved, Glass iPhone Without Cutouts
Looking ahead, Apple has big plans for its 20th iPhone anniversary in 2027. As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company may unveil a “mostly glass, curved iPhone” free of all display cutouts — a radical leap from current notch-based designs. This concept aligns with Apple’s long-term redesign roadmap, which began with the iPhone X in 2017.
📌 Summary
Apple is expected to raise iPhone prices in 2025, likely tying the increase to design upgrades and innovation rather than tariffs. As trade tensions continue, the company is strategically shifting production to India and eyeing an ambitious, notch-free iPhone launch by 2027.