With President Donald Trump threatening a higher 25% tariff rate for items produced in South Korea and Japan -- two major US tech suppliers -- you might be wondering if the rumored iPhone 17 or other Apple devices like MacBooks or AirPods will cost more soon.
The answer is... maybe. But tariffs aren't the only culprit.
After Apple's initial attempts to avoid the tariffs on iPhones, which have been primarily produced in China, Trump threatened Apple and other manufacturers with a 25% tariff for all smartphones produced outside the US. But he's also delayed his self-imposed deadline for "reciprocal tariffs," which could mean more time to make deals and lower tariffs before the new iPhone is introduced. However, there's still plenty about tariffs up in the air.
If a new iPhone does get hit with a tariff, you should expect Apple -- and other phone 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 even if tariffs don't affect the price, there are other reasons you'll likely pay more for the new iPhone, 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 and the rest of the lineup are true, Apple could potentially say that additional features 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 likely September release date, but we're following all the latest leaks, rumors and speculation until then.
Read more: Want to Buy a New iPhone? Here's Why You Should Wait
Watch this: Should You Buy Now or Wait? Our Experts Weigh In on Tariffs 09:42
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