The recent increase in tariffs has resulted in an additional $900 million in costs for Apple in the last quarter, according to the company’s announcement of its solid first-quarter results, which can be found here.
Although the extra $1 billion in fees paid to the government is substantial, Apple’s enormous size means that one analyst on the quarterly earnings call considered the impact to be surprisingly low.
Apple reported first-quarter revenue of $95.4 billion and, despite the tariff payment, still achieved earnings per share profit of $1.65, a first-quarter record, as stated.
A pressing concern for tech users and startups that often equip their employees with Macs is whether CEO Tim Cook anticipates ongoing tariffs leading to increased Apple prices.
For the next quarter, at least, this appears unlikely. When directly asked about potential tariff-induced price increases, Cook stated that he had “nothing to announce at this time.”
Cook explained that Apple is now importing a larger proportion of its iPhones from India rather than China, which has helped minimize the tariff impact. Regarding Macs, a larger proportion are being sourced from Vietnam. Additionally, devices produced in China are primarily being shipped to customers outside the U.S.
According to Cook, the greatest hit from tariffs was felt in Apple’s AppleCare and accessories businesses, including spare parts for warranty-covered devices and items like iPhone cases, with a tariff rate of “at least 145%.”
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However, Cook did not imply that costs would be increased to offset this hit.
He did note that Apple has not been as severely affected as it could have been, largely because its products, including iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro, are not currently subject to global reciprocal tariffs while the Commerce Department conducts an investigation into the impact of tariffs on semiconductor imports and products that utilize them.
So, should consumers and startups purchase their Macs now or wait? Cook stated that Apple is taking steps to keep costs under control, including influencing tariff policy.
“We’re very engaged in tariff discussions and believe in engagement. We will continue to engage. On the pricing aspect, we have nothing to announce today,” Cook said.
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