Here’s when iPhones may get more expensive

Buying a new iPhone might soon get even more expensive. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese imports could raise the price of iPhones, laptops, cars, and even accessories like headphones and mice.

Analysts told CNN that iPhone prices could jump significantly in the coming weeks or months. Apple relies heavily on China for its production, and with the White House confirming a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, the cost of importing those devices is set to rise sharply.

In a move that escalates the trade war with Beijing, Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for every country except China.

iPhone Inventory Running Out Soon

Apple currently has a limited supply of iPhones in the U.S. that were imported before the tariffs took effect. Depending on demand, this stock could run out in a few weeks. Analysts estimate Apple has between 3 to 6 weeks of inventory on hand.

When that runs out, the cost of new shipments – which will be taxed under the new tariffs – may be passed on to consumers, possibly pushing iPhone prices up dramatically.

UBS estimates that the iPhone 16 Pro Max, currently priced at $1,199, could cost up to $2,000 if made in China under the new tariffs. If it’s assembled in India, however, the price could only rise by about $45.

Wireless carriers may offer deals on older models or monthly payment plans to soften the blow, but consumers should still expect higher overall costs.

Can Apple Avoid the Tariffs?

While Trump has said he wants Apple to move iPhone production to the U.S., that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. Apple has been shifting some production to India and Vietnam, but many components still come from China.

Even if Apple moved assembly to the U.S., it would face much higher labor costs. Analysts estimate that making iPhones in the U.S. could increase prices by as much as 20% – or even up to $3,500 per device, according to Wedbush Securities.

Apple recently announced a $500 billion investment in the U.S., but it doesn’t include iPhone factories. Instead, the money will go toward servers and training centers.

Experts also point out that finding enough U.S. workers for iPhone assembly would be difficult. “They’d be hard-pressed to get the scale of labor,” said Harvard professor Willy Shih.

What Happens Next?

Apple hasn’t announced any changes to its product release plans, but some analysts think it could shift its schedule if the tariffs continue. The company previously delayed iPhone launches in 2020 due to pandemic-related issues.

For now, everything is on the table. Consumers might want to buy sooner rather than later – before prices start climbing.