New Delhi/Washington – In what could be a major blow to Apple users and smartphone lovers in the U.S., the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro may witness a price surge of up to 30%, industry analysts warned on Tuesday. The cause? A potential tariff tsunami triggered by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive China policy—which now includes a 54% hike on imports from China and 26% on India, with fears of the total duty reaching a shocking 104%.
A $1,000 iPhone Could Soon Cost $1,300 or More
According to Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, “A 30% price hike is a realistic estimate,” if Apple doesn’t shift its production away from China soon. That would make a $1,000 iPhone 16 Pro retail at around $1,300, and in extreme scenarios, as high as $1,600.
While tariffs on devices from Brazil are only around 10%, the country lacks the production muscle to handle Apple’s massive global demand. “Apple is caught in a geopolitical crossfire,” Pathak adds.
No Immediate Price Jump, But It’s Coming
Apple may absorb short-term shocks to protect its premium market, analysts say. The tech giant has already stockpiled units, which could delay price jumps for a few months. But make no mistake—if the tariff war escalates, wallets will feel the pinch.
Even more interesting, Apple may adjust prices globally to cushion the blow in the U.S. That could mean higher prices even outside the U.S., including Europe and India.
🇮🇳 Can India Cash In?
India, already one of the fastest-growing iPhone assembly hubs, may become a clear beneficiary of this trade chaos. While 80–85% of iPhones are still assembled in China, India’s share is rising fast thanks to the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
iPhones in India are currently priced 20% higher than in China, mainly due to local taxes and higher manufacturing costs. But this price gap is narrowing—and if the U.S.–China tariff standoff escalates, India could emerge as Apple’s next big assembly base.
Why It Matters for Consumers and Apple Fans
U.S. buyers may soon pay significantly more for the same iPhone.
Global pricing could shift, creating ripple effects across Europe and Asia.
India’s iPhone production ecosystem may see a sharp boost.
Apple’s global strategy and China dependency may undergo a major reset.
Final Word
Apple’s sleek marketing and cutting-edge innovation may not be enough to shield its customers from geopolitical heat. As the U.S. gets tougher on China, tech becomes the next battlefield—and your next iPhone might just cost a whole lot more.
