Cupertino: Apple is all set to unveil its latest iPhone lineup on Tuesday, as global trade tensions threaten to influence pricing and market expectations for the iconic device.
These new iPhones mark the first release since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and imposed tariffs intended to shift manufacturing back to the United States. Despite pressure from the Trump administration, Apple CEO Tim Cook has maintained production primarily in China and India, where its main manufacturing hubs operate.
Traditionally, the next models would likely be named iPhone 17, following Apple’s naming convention since 2007. However, the company recently shifted its OS naming scheme with iOS 26, aligning it with the upcoming year — a marketing strategy similar to practices in the automotive industry.
Analysts have speculated that tariffs on imported iPhones, which remain around 25 per cent, could push Apple to raise prices for the first time in five years. Base models, previously priced at around USD 800, and top-tier models at USD 1,200, may see increases of USD 50 to USD 100 per device. Apple’s earlier commitments to invest USD 600 billion in the US and strategic diplomacy have helped mitigate the impact of the trade measures.
In terms of features, the upcoming iPhones are expected to offer minor design tweaks, improved cameras, longer battery life, and potentially a new ultra-thin model dubbed the “iPhone Air.” However, analysts note that major AI-focused improvements, including enhancements to Siri, are delayed until next year, tempering expectations for the new lineup.
Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson observed, “Apple is approaching a critical phase; 2026 and 2027 will be pivotal for the company.” While Apple’s stock has faced pressure due to AI competition and trade uncertainties, recent market movements indicate resilience, bolstered by legal wins securing Google as the default search engine on iPhones.
As Apple prepares for its annual reveal, the tech world will be closely watching both the pricing strategy and feature upgrades amid a challenging global economic landscape.
