Will iPhones become even more expensive after Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on India?

iPhone

If you're an iPhone fan and just heard that Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 50% tariff on goods from India, you might be wondering — Is my next iPhone going to cost even more? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is this 50% tariff all about?

US President Donald Trump has announced that starting August 27, the tariff on certain goods imported from India will rise to 50%, doubling the existing 25% rate. A tariff is basically a tax placed on goods coming from another country, which often leads to higher prices for those goods in the US

So, how does this affect Apple and iPhones?

Here’s the good news for iPhone lovers: for now, it doesn’t.

iPhones and the semiconductors (tiny computer chips) that power them are currently exempt from this tariff. That means Apple doesn’t have to pay the extra tax on iPhones made in India and shipped to the US This exemption was already in place under the 25% tariff and continues even with the new 50% rule.

Why is Apple manufacturing iPhones in India anyway?

Over the last few years, Apple has been moving a lot of its manufacturing to India, especially because of ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Major Apple partners like Foxconn and Pegatron have set up factories in India. In fact, all iPhone 16 models are assembled in India—both for local sales and exports to countries like the U.S.

This move helps Apple reduce its reliance on China and also benefits from India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.

Is there any reason to worry?

A little bit, yes. The exemption isn’t permanent. Trump has made it clear that no company is totally off the hook, and there’s a chance that Apple might face tariffs in the future, especially if the US starts targeting semiconductors more aggressively.

Apple knows this and is trying to stay in Trump’s good books. The company has already promised to invest $500 billion in the U.S., and now it’s adding another $100 billion for a new manufacturing program. Apple CEO Tim Cook is directly involved in these talks, so they’re clearly taking it seriously.

For now, iPhone prices are safe from this 50% tariff. But things could change depending on future trade decisions. If you're planning to buy an iPhone soon, there's no immediate reason to panic — but keep an eye on how this trade story unfolds.