The rumored iPhone 17 is likely to cost more than the iPhone 16. Let's just get that out of the way up front. But why it may cost more -- and how much more -- is still in question.
President Donald Trump's self-imposed deadline of July 9 for the "reciprocal tariff" pause could finally cap his months-long trade roller coaster, which has resulted so far in tentative trade deals with Vietnam, the UK and China. However, there's still plenty up in the air, including how tariffs could impact a new iPhone.
Apple initially avoided higher tariff rates by stockpiling iPhones early and getting on an exemption list. The tech giant also said some US iPhone production could move from China to India to avoid higher tariffs on goods from China, which prompted Trump to threaten Apple and other manufacturers with a 25% tariff for all smartphones produced outside the US.
If a new iPhone does get hit with a tariff, you should expect Apple -- and other smartphone manufacturers -- to pass along most of that cost to you, say experts.
"The president's tariff would really basically just be a sales tax that would be tacked on to the cost of a new smartphone," said Timothy Meyer, Richard Allen/Cravath distinguished professor in international business law, Duke University School of Law. "And the companies will probably be able to pass through most of that cost to consumers."
But there are reasons besides tariffs you could pay more for the rumored iPhone 17, including the health of the US economy and the fact that a new iPhone is due for a price hike. If rumors about the iPhone 17 Air are true, its additional features could potentially justify a higher price.
Apple did not respond to a request for comment for an earlier version of this story.
You likely won't find out the exact price until the new iPhone's release date, which is also still up for debate. But we're following all the latest leaks, rumors and speculation about what you could expect to pay for the rumored iPhone 17.
Read more: These Rumored iPhone 17 Pro Max Features Make Me Want It Now
Watch this: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Our Experts Weigh In on Tariffs 09:42
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