Consumers race to Apple stores as tariff fears spark iPhone rush

What just happened? Apple's flagship iPhone has remained at a starting price of $999 since the iPhone X launched in 2017, but that streak of price stability may end. Analysts predict that new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration could force Apple to raise prices dramatically, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max potentially seeing a $350 increase, if not more. This anticipated price hike has sparked a frenzy among consumers, who rushed to Apple stores to purchase devices before costs climb. A series of reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports are primarily driving the anticipated price surge. These include a 10 percent duty that came into effect on April 5, followed by an additional 54 percent tariff set to be implemented on April 9. Most iPhones are manufactured in China, making them particularly vulnerable to these measures. According to Bloomberg, Apple stores across the United States experienced a surge in shopping activity over the weekend, with people "panic-buying" iPhones. "Almost ... Read full article.