3 min read
KARACHI: In a move that could have significant repercussions for tech enthusiasts and consumers in Pakistan, the price of iPhones is expected to skyrocket to over Rs 1 million ($3000-$3500). This is the result of new trade tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which are set to affect imports from China and Taiwan, key suppliers for Apple.
Analysts from a leading US-based financial services firm have warned that the 50% tariff on Chinese imports and 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods could severely impact the cost of mobile phones, including the iPhone, in international markets like Pakistan.
Since a large portion of Apple’s components come from these regions, the new tariffs would directly affect the pricing of iPhones and other electronics in Pakistan, where high-end devices are already considered out of reach for many.
Apple, whose iPhones are primarily assembled in China and Taiwan, will face pressure to either absorb the extra costs or pass them on to consumers. If passed on, analysts predict that the cost of an entry-level iPhone 16 could jump by up to 40%, pushing its price from $799 to approximately $1,142. Premium models, such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, could see prices surge by 43%, bringing them close to $2,300.
This potential price hike comes as a huge blow to Pakistan’s tech community, where inflation and currency depreciation have already made foreign gadgets unaffordable for many. If these new tariffs remain in place, the iPhone and other Apple devices could become even more inaccessible to the average Pakistani consumer.
This surge in prices would not only affect smartphones but also escalate the cost of other electronics like tablets, laptops, and wearables, all of which depend on Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturing.
With Pakistan’s consumer market already struggling with rising prices, the news has sparked widespread concern among both tech enthusiasts and everyday buyers. As the iPhone nears the Rs 1 million mark, it remains to be seen whether Apple will take steps to absorb the additional costs or if consumers will bear the brunt of the price hikes. Either way, the impact on smartphone affordability in Pakistan will be significant in the coming months.
The potential price surge also comes at a time when Apple is already facing challenges in other markets like the US and China, where its stock recently dropped by 9.3% due to the tariff situation. With Apple’s dependence on China for manufacturing, the company will need to carefully navigate the global trade landscape to maintain its market position and affordability.
