Apple Customers Rush to Buy iPhones Amid Fears Tariffs Could Cause Price Hikes

[MacRumors]

Ahead of when new reciprocal tariffs go into effect on April 9, Apple customers are scrambling to buy devices before prices go up. Multiple Apple employees that spoke to Bloomberg said their stores have been packed with customers "panic-buying" iPhones. "Almost every customer asked me if prices were going to go up soon," one Apple worker was quoted as saying.

The rush at retail stores was comparable to the busyness of a holiday season, with Apple providing no guidance on what employees should tell customers. Apple's retail stores reportedly experienced higher sales on April 5 and 6 than they have in prior years during the same time period.

Apple has been preparing for the tariffs and has stockpiled iPhones and other devices in the United States. According to The Times of India, Apple shipped five planes full of iPhones and other devices from India to the U.S. during the final week of March, while also bringing in iPhones from China during what is traditionally a slow time. The reserves, which could last for several months, will allow Apple to avoid price increases in the near term.

Earlier today, The Wall Street Journal said that Apple would mitigate some of the tariff impact by importing more iPhones to the U.S. from India, as India has a lower tariff rate than China. Apple could meet as much as 50 percent of U.S. iPhone demand with devices sourced from India. Apple has to pay a 26 percent tariff on goods from India, but China's rate is at 54 percent.

Apple stock has fallen almost 20 percent since last Wednesday, but Apple has not commented publicly on the tariff situation. The company has an earnings call planned for May 1, which is when we could hear more about Apple's mitigation plan.

Article Link: Apple Customers Rush to Buy iPhones Amid Fears Tariffs Could Cause Price Hikes

 

[brofkand]

I wish Apple would raise prices. It would make my resolve to hold on to the products I have even stronger.

 

[dannyyankou]

I don't think these are panic-buying customers. Most of them are probably opportunistic resellers.

 

[scorpio vega]

I wish Apple would raise prices. It would make my resolve to hold on to the products I have even stronger.

Or just practice self restraint lol

I don't think these are panic-buying customers. Most of them are probably opportunistic resellers.

Hey nothing wrong with a side hustle if ppl will pay for it.

 

[applesith]

Panic buying $1K devices, but I thought the economy was crashing? 🤣

 

[scorpio vega]

It’s weird that people are panic buying current iPhones but then again these are the same people who also stockpiled toilet paper during lockdown lmao

 

[xiJulian_]

This doesn’t make sense. Your 14 Pro Max is fine

 

[scorpio vega]

Panic buying $1K devices, but I thought the economy was crashing? 🤣

The economy is crashing lmao doesn’t mean people don’t have money

 

[scorpio vega]

C’mon Apple, start investing that 500 billion. All the useless government employees are needing actual jobs now.

I hope Apple continues doing business where they are now. I’m looking forward to seeing absolutely nothing change

 

[platinumaqua]

People don't think rationally. Unless your phone is on the verge of losing support or almost broken, there's no reason to upgrade anyway.

 

[cybercommand]

Everyone doesn’t need a new phone every year. 😆

 

[Gathomblipoob]

Panic buying $1K devices, but I thought the economy was crashing? 🤣

People are buying $4000+ video cards.

 

[raythompsontn]

Everyone doesn’t need a new phone every year. 😆

Your statement is true, however, your needs versus someone else's wants is irrelevant. If a person wants a new phone every year, more power to them. It is their money.

 

[sw1tcher]

Apple has been preparing for the tariffs and has stockpiled iPhones and other devices in the United States. According to The Times of India, Apple shipped five planes full of iPhones and other devices from India to the U.S. during the final week of March

What? Could those 5 planes not fly and so Apple decided to ship the 5 planes along with the iPhones and other devices to the U.S. instead of just the iPhones and devices themselves?

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Panic buying $1K devices, but I thought the economy was crashing? 🤣

You do realize not everyone struggles? People with money will always have money.

 

[JPack]

The 16e just became worth its weight in gold. 🤣

 

[Aeronauts]

I’m waiting for the analysts to come out with their annual iPhone supercycle prediction 🤣

 

[racerhomie]

This doesn’t make sense. Your 14 Pro Max is fine

Apple doesn’t sell the 14 Pro Max. Only iPhone 15 and above.

 

[racerhomie]

Everyone doesn’t need a new phone every year. 😆

The average consumer in the US is buying new iPhones every 3.8 years

 

[Darren.h]

I wanted to buy one too!!!!!!!

instead I ordered a Mac Studio M4 Max. 16 core CPU. 40 core GPU? Paid the extra $170. Got also 64 gb ram.

I will take a new Mac Studio over an iPhone. ordered it yesterday. college discount.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Panic buying what a joke.

 

[UpsetTheAppleCart]

I hope Apple continues doing business where they are now. I’m looking forward to seeing absolutely nothing change

Quite understandable. Hyperconsumerism has become deeply imbedded in American culture.

 

[scorpio vega]

Quite understandable. Hyperconsumerism is deeply imbedded in American culture.

Has nothing to do with hyper consumerism.

The reason why I don’t buy American made products is bc they are usually lower quality.

And it’s also why I love SHEIN. Cokes straight from china and the quality is both decent as the price is also cheaper than anything made/sold here.

 

[sleeptodream]

Yup we got one for my mom, were on the fence about waiting for the 17 Pro but I’m assuming with the redesign it will be more expensive regardless, but who knows

 

[UpsetTheAppleCart]

Has nothing to do with hyper consumerism.

The reason why I don’t buy American made products is bc they are usually lower quality.

And it’s also why I love SHEIN. Cokes straight from china and the quality is both decent as the price is also cheaper than anything made/sold here.

Huh? You just described consumerism. Buying cheap stuff that’s “decent” quality. You don’t need long-lasting products if you’ll be replacing them as soon as the next new thing comes out.