According to Reuters, the sweeping tariffs introduced by the Trump administration are poised to “drastically alter the landscape of global trade,” with consumer electronics like the iPhone facing some of the most significant fallout.
The outlet cites analysts who estimate that if Apple were to pass the full cost of these tariffs onto consumers, iPhone prices could surge by 30% to 40%.
This projection aligns with a separate Reuters report noting that stock markets experienced a “global meltdown” in early April 2025, partly driven by fears of a trade war and recession. iPhone prices could potentially reach that staggering $2,300 mark.
The Daily Mail echoed these concerns in an article titled “Staggering price of new iPhone after Trump’s tariffs,” highlighting how the tariffs—aimed primarily at goods manufactured in China—could disrupt Apple’s supply chain.
Given that a significant portion of iPhone components and assembly occurs overseas, the increased import costs are expected to hit hard. The outlet emphasized the issue’s immediacy, noting that these price increases could materialize as early as the next iPhone release cycle.
Apple’s reliance on international manufacturing makes it especially susceptible to tariff-related cost increases.
Reuters pointed out that unlike some competitors who have diversified their production bases, Apple has maintained a heavy dependence on Chinese factories.
This vulnerability was a key focus in their analysis, with experts warning that the company might have limited options to absorb the additional costs without raising consumer prices.
The alternative—relocating production to the United States or other countries—would require years of investment and infrastructure development, a timeline that offers little relief in the short term.
The potential price surge has sparked a mix of alarm and frustration among consumers and investors alike.
Posts on X reflect a growing sentiment of discontent, with some users decrying the tariffs as a blow to affordability, while others sarcastically celebrated the policy as a “win” for domestic agendas.
For instance, the Daily Mail article gained traction on social platforms, with users amplifying its headline to underscore their shock at the figures involved.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the broader economic implications are already being felt. The threat of a $2,300 iPhone has contributed to investor unease, exacerbating a global economic slowdown.
This aligns with their coverage of five critical stories on April 4, 2025, where the tariffs were listed alongside other global crises, signaling the scale of their perceived impact.
A key question remains: how will Apple respond? Analysts interviewed by Reuters suggest that the company might attempt to mitigate the damage by absorbing some of the tariff costs to keep prices competitive.
However, with profit margins already under scrutiny, passing at least a portion of the increase onto consumers seems inevitable.
The Daily Mail speculated that this could push Apple to accelerate efforts to diversify its supply chain, though such a shift would not alleviate the immediate price pressure.
