Recent statements from former President Trump have suggested that Apple might relocate its iPhone production to the United States. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman firmly disagrees, stating that such a move is highly unlikely to occur.
According to him, there is “no universe” in which Apple shifts its iPhone manufacturing stateside. Concerns about rising iPhone prices have emerged, with some analysts predicting that the cost could soar to $3,500 due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
These tariffs are particularly severe for imports from China, where Apple conducts a significant portion of its manufacturing. In response to U.S. tariffs, China has implemented its own, further complicating the financial landscape for American companies operating abroad.
Several commentators have suggested that Apple should consider moving its production back to the U.S. to avoid the high import tariffs. However, Gurman and others believe that such a transition is impractical.
Vadim Yuryev, from Max Tech, echoes this sentiment, expressing doubts about the capability of American workers to manage the repetitive tasks involved in smartphone manufacturing, especially if paid minimum wage. Earlier this year, Trump claimed that Apple would shift some production from Mexico to the U.S., but Apple has not substantiated these claims.
There are also suggestions that Trump could offer exemptions or reduced tariffs for certain companies, including Apple, to stimulate domestic manufacturing. In a recent announcement, Apple revealed a significant $500 billion investment in the U.S. economy, a move interpreted by some as an attempt to curry favor with Trump and highlight its contributions.
However, it raises questions about how either party might react if Apple does not increase its domestic production. Will Trump withdraw exemptions, or is Apple’s economic impact too significant for him to risk?