Apple Launches iPhone 17 Amid Tariff-Driven Price Pressures

Apple launched its iPhone 17 lineup amidst escalating trade tensions due to President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies aimed at reshoring manufacturing to the U.S. The company continues to produce iPhones primarily in China and India, despite demands from the Trump administration to shift production to the U.S., which analysts warn would drastically increase prices—potentially doubling or tripling the current costs. Apple has pledged a $600 billion investment in the U.S. and taken steps to mitigate tariff impacts, such as expanding Indian manufacturing and pre-shipping iPhones to the U.S. before tariffs take effect. Nevertheless, Apple faces a 25% import duty on Chinese-made iPhones, likely causing the first price increase in five years, with some models expected to rise by $50 to $100. Industry experts highlight that the labor cost disparity between China and the U.S. is significant, making full U.S. production economically unfeasible in the short term, with estimates of a U.S.-made iPhone price reaching up to $3,500. Apple's CEO Tim Cook continues diplomatic efforts with the administration, but the trade policy environment poses ongoing challenges to Apple's global supply chain and pricing strategy.