The Pause on iPhone Tariffs Is Set to Expire After June. Should You Buy Now?

What’s the latest on tariffs? 

Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports plus reciprocal tariffs on imports from more than 180 countries on his “Liberation Day.” He quickly announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs but left the baseline levies in place.

Trump’s long touted tariffs as a way to even the trade deficit and raise revenue to offset tax cuts, although many economists say that tariffs could lead to higher prices and may end up hurting the US economy. Stock prices plummeted after Trump’s announcement as markets reacted poorly to the sweeping tariffs.

Trump has taken an especially hard stance on China, which was already subject to tariffs that Trump ordered during his first term in office. He started in February, imposing 20% tariffs, then announced a 34% tariff on goods from China in April. He added an additional 50% tariff before eventually landing on the 145% tariff against China. China has responded with its own tariffs after each of Trump’s announcements.

The US Customs and Border Protection listed some key consumer electronics exempted from the reciprocal tariffs, but Trump said those products would still be subject to a 20% fentanyl tariff. White House officials said the reprieve from additional tariffs was temporary and that those products would instead be subject to a “semiconductor tariff.”

Some politicians have questioned this exemption. Last month, Sen. Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to Cook asking how Apple products were excluded after Trump said there would be no tariff exemptions.

Even before Trump announced the tariffs, Apple’s biggest suppliers in India had shipped nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones in March, according to customs records. Reportedly, Apple may source its iPhones for the US market from India by the end of 2026 — although perhaps not all of them. 

Tariffs, in theory, are designed to financially impact other countries because their goods are being taxed. Tariffs are paid by the US company importing the product, and this upcharge is usually — but not always — passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.

Is it better to buy tech now or wait? 

If you already planned to buy a new iPhone, gaming console, MacBook or other tech, buying it now might save you money. But if you don’t need a new phone immediately, Holland recommends waiting.

“If iPhone prices rise, know that, like cars, the prices for used iPhones will likely rise, too,” he said. “If Apple does raise its prices, you’ll likely get more for your old iPhone when you trade it in, and that should offset any increased prices.”  

If you don’t have the cash on hand and are considering using a credit card or buy now, pay later plan just to avoid tariffs, make sure you have the money to cover the costs before you start accruing interest. With credit cards’ average interest rates currently more than 20%, the cost of financing a big purchase could quickly wipe out any savings you’d get by buying before prices go up because of tariffs.

“If you finance this expense on a credit card and can’t pay it off in full in one to two months, you’ll likely end up paying way more than a tariff would cost you,” said Alaina Fingal, an accountant, founder of The Organized Money and a CNET Money Expert Review Board member. “I would recommend that you pause on any big purchases until the economy is more stable.” 

One way to save on Apple products, even if prices go up, is to buy last year’s model instead of the newest release or a used one. And trading or selling a used one can help offset the cost even more.

“Apple has leaned into that with its Certified Refurbished program, much like the auto industry’s used car model,” Hudicka said. “This program helps extend the lifespan of devices, keeping customers in the Apple ecosystem longer while distributing the cost impact over time.”