You can soon pay more for Apple devices. Experts weigh Trump’s rates

The price of the most technology seems to be increasing every year – but this year smartphone and Laptop It can climb even higher because of the tariffs.

Last week, President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff for import from China, a move that experts expect to increase imports for import technology and electronics, including Apple products manufactured in China, such as China, such as iPhone., iPads., MacBooks and AirPodsS

“I expect many items that come from China or have parts made in China to increase in price,” said Doug KerryChartered Financial Analyzer and President of WealthTrace, a financial planning software company.

If you are on the market for a new Apple device or importing system, such as the PlayStation 5 Pro, here’s how tariffs can raise prices and what you need to do to prepare.

What happens to tariffs?

On February 1, 10% of President Trump’s tariffs for import from China came into force. February 5. These tariffs were stopped for packages with small values ​​(those under $ 800), while “adequate systems were not designed for complete and appropriate processing and collecting tariff revenue”, according to AA Enforcement orderS

In return, China has imposed new rates of 10% to 15% on certain goods in the United States, including coal and raw oil that were applied on February 10. Trump is expected to impose new vengeance tariffs.

The products imported from China are already subject to tariffs that Trump ordered during his first office. Recent tariffs means that the prices of these goods can rise even higher.

The Trump administration also plans to apply import tariffs from Canada and Mexico, but stopped these rates for at least a month amid negotiations with both sides.

In theory, tariffs are intended to financially influence other countries, as their goods are taxed. Tariffs are paid by the US company that imports the product, and this fee usually – but not always – passes to the consumer in the form of higher prices.

How much can iPhone and MacBook increase?

Experts expect tariffs imposed on products from China – and potentially Canada and Mexico – will become higher prices. This means that the technology you use every day, such as imported smartphones, tablets, laptops, Televisions and even Kitchen appliancesIt can get even more expensive this year.
What can this look like? If the full price is transferred to buyers, we can see a 10% increase. For example, a 13-inch MacBook Air It currently starts at $ 849 on Amazon; A 10% hike would increase the base price to $ 934. Thehe iPhone 16 ProWho starts at $ 1,000 at T-Mobile can jump to $ 1,100.

There is also a chance of Trump to be able to put tariffs for chips that could affect the price of the products that use them, but this will still be determined. A 10% fare for goods made in China does not necessarily mean prices will rise by the same amount. In some cases, they may not increase much, if at all.

If companies want to remain competitive, they can bear some of the costs to maintain their prices lower, said Steven K. ConnorsCertified Planning Property and President of Conner Wealth Management. However, Sean DibravakThe IPC chief economist, the Production Commercial Association Association, said some companies may move to a lack of products imported from China, which may lead to an increase in imports from other countries this year.

Read more: Higher tariffs can make solar energy more expensive

Do you have to buy technology now to avoid tariffs later?

If you are planning to buy a new iPhone, gaming console, MacBook or other technology, buying it can now save you money.
“Therefore, the items that people have to think about buying now, not later, are smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, furniture, kitchen appliances, clothes and shoes,” Kerry said.

But if you do not have cash and plan to use a credit card or buy now, pay a later plan just to avoid tariffs, experts say. With average credit card interest rates currently over 20%, Costs to fund a large purchase It can delete any savings you would get by buying before prices rise due to tariffs.

“I would not recommend panic purchases, especially if these items are not needed,” Connors said.

One way to save, even if prices rise, is to buy last year’s model instead of the largest version.

“If you do not plan to upgrade next year, you do not need to rush to buy a new smartphone,” Dabravak said. “The technology is naturally deflated, which means that over time, productivity increases and prices usually reduce for products of similar quality.”