Apple enthusiasts and potential buyers in India should seriously consider purchasing the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro this year, as waiting for 2026 could lead to paying a substantially higher price. A significant shift in US trade policy is set to directly impact the cost of Apple's flagship devices, making deep discounts unlikely in the near future.
The Looming Tariff Threat to iPhone Prices
According to a report from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a major financial storm is brewing for Apple's pricing strategy. The catalyst is the potential election of former US President Donald Trump in 2024 and his proposed aggressive trade policies. Kuo predicts that if Trump returns to office, he will likely implement a 60% tariff on all Chinese imports, a drastic increase from the current rates.
This policy would have a direct and severe impact on Apple, whose iPhones are predominantly assembled in China. The iPhone 17 series, including the Pro models, is scheduled for launch in September 2025. While initial prices in late 2025 might remain stable, the real shock is expected to hit in 2026 when the new tariffs could come into effect, causing a sharp price escalation for consumers worldwide, including in India.
Why Discounts Will Disappear in 2026
The analysis suggests that the traditional cycle of price reductions and festive discounts for iPhones could be severely disrupted. With the manufacturing cost set to rise dramatically due to tariffs, Apple's margin for offering discounts will shrink. Retailers and e-commerce platforms will also find it difficult to absorb the increased cost and pass on savings to customers.
Ming-Chi Kuo's note is clear: consumers aiming for the iPhone 17 Pro should target their purchase in 2025 itself. The window between the phone's launch in September 2025 and the end of the year might be the most financially prudent time to buy. Waiting for sales in 2026, during events like Amazon's Great Indian Festival or Flipkart's Big Billion Days, may not yield the expected savings, as the base price itself would have climbed.
Broader Impact on Apple's Strategy and Market
This impending tariff scenario is forcing Apple to accelerate its diversification plans. The company is reportedly speeding up the development of its supply chain outside China. A key part of this plan involves scaling up production in India and Vietnam.
However, building a robust, alternative manufacturing ecosystem takes years. For the iPhone 17 Pro cycle in 2025-2026, a significant portion of production will still be reliant on Chinese facilities. Therefore, the price hike due to tariffs seems almost inevitable for the 2026 calendar year. This situation presents a unique challenge for Indian consumers who have grown accustomed to attractive financing options and festival deals on premium smartphones.
In conclusion, the message for tech-savvy buyers in India is straightforward. If you are planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025 or 2026, advancing your purchase to 2025 is the wiser economic decision. The geopolitical landscape and trade policies are converging to create a scenario where delaying your purchase could cost you significantly more. The era of predictable iPhone pricing and generous post-launch discounts may be facing an unexpected interruption.
