iPhone lovers in India may soon have to shell out significantly more for the next Apple flagship, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly announced tariffs could push iPhone prices up by 30–40%, according to experts.
Trump’s sweeping tariff plan imposes fresh duties on imports from several countries, including China, where most iPhones are still manufactured. If Apple passes these costs on to consumers, the entry-level iPhone 16, which currently starts at $799 in the U.S., could soar to nearly $1,142 under the revised tariff regime. Factoring in India’s existing import duties and taxes, the final price could cross Rs 2 lakh for premium models.
The top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro Max, which retails in the U.S. at $1,599, may see its price jump to around $2,300 post-tariffs—making it even costlier than its already premium Indian pricing.
The intent behind Trump’s tariffs is to push U.S. firms to shift manufacturing to domestic or nearby facilities like Mexico. However, Apple’s global supply chain still leans heavily on China. Vietnam and India—where Apple has moved some production—aren’t safe either. Vietnam faces a 46% tariff, while India is slapped with a 26% duty.
According to a Reuters report, Apple would need to increase iPhone prices by at least 30% on average to offset the cost. But doing so carries risk—especially with iPhone sales already under pressure in several key markets. Some analysts believe the company might hold off on drastic price changes until the iPhone 17 release later this year.
Until then, Indian consumers eyeing an upgrade should brace for a potential price shock.
