Apple enthusiasts may face an unwelcome surprise when the iPhone 17 arrives next month. Thanks to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imported goods, industry analysts warn that U.S. consumers could see a price hike of at least $50 on most iPhone 17 models.
Since April, Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs have rattled global markets, hitting goods imported from China, Vietnam, and India — the same countries that supply many of Apple’s critical components. Consumer confidence has slipped, layoffs have mounted, and inflationary pressures are rising.
Apple, however, is not just another company. Its vast leverage over suppliers means it can negotiate cost reductions, forcing partners to absorb part of the tariff burden. Still, experts say some of the extra costs will inevitably land on customers.
Currently, U.S. prices for the iPhone 16 family start at $799 for the base model and climb to $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Analyst Edison Lee predicts that Apple will hold the line on the entry-level iPhone 17 but raise the price of its other models by about $50 each. That would mean:
iPhone 17 (128GB): $799
iPhone 17 Plus (128GB): $949
iPhone 17 Pro (128GB): $1,049
iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB): $1,249
While these numbers are not final, they signal a new reality: tariffs are reshaping the cost of consumer electronics, and even Apple cannot shield its customers entirely.
The company has not officially commented on possible price hikes, but insiders note Apple is exploring ways to diversify production out of tariff-heavy regions. India and Vietnam remain key assembly hubs, yet rising duties mean Apple may need to accelerate its push into other markets.
As the September launch event approaches, iPhone buyers are left with a pressing question: Will Apple pass the tariffs onto them, or absorb more of the pain itself?
