Apple users flock to stores to buy iPhones over tariff-related price hikes

By Minh Hieu April 8, 2025 | 03:38 pm PT

The iPhone 16 series at their their launch event in the U.S. on Sept. 10, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of steep new tariffs, many American consumers have hurried to purchase iPhones, anticipating price hikes from Apple in response.

Joel Burke, a 32-year-old policy analyst based in Washington, was among those who rushed to buy an iPhone. "You gotta take care of your own personal needs and there’s no question in my mind that the prices are going to go up."

Apple store employees across various locations reported a surge in shoppers over the weekend, according to Bloomberg. Many customers expressed concern that the cost of Apple products would significantly increase once the tariffs take effect. Most iPhones—Apple’s flagship product—are assembled in China, which faces tariffs of 54%.

TechInsights estimates that under the new tariffs, the manufacturing cost of an iPhone could jump by over 45%, from $580 to $850.

Allison Post, a 69-year-old health writer and body therapist, had already intended to replace her aging iPhone 8. But the looming tariffs accelerated her decision. She also encouraged her husband to buy a new MacBook.

"The tariffs for sure pushed me out the door," she told the Wall Street Journal. "Why pay what might turn out to be double?"

One Apple employee noted their store was overwhelmed with anxious customers. "Almost every customer asked me if prices were going to go up soon," said the worker.

While stores didn’t see launch-day-level lines, the environment was as hectic as the holiday season. "People are just rushing in worried and asking questions," one employee said, adding that Apple hadn’t offered any specific guidance for handling the situation.

This consumer urgency has translated into a noticeable spike in sales. Apple’s U.S. stores reportedly recorded stronger weekend sales than in recent years in several major markets, according to someone familiar with the matter.

Apple has not commented on the surge in customers.

Ryan Reith, a senior research analyst for market intelligence firm IDC, said Apple does not have enough inventory to carry it through to September, when its next iPhone is expected to hit the shelves. The company, like other hardware firms, usually holds about four to eight weeks’ worth of stock depending on the product and timing.

Investor concerns about the potential impact of the tariffs on Apple have also sent the company’s stock tumbling, with shares falling 19% over the last three trading sessions—wiping out $638 billion in market value.