Trump's Tariffs Could Trigger iPhone Price Hike, But Repairing Can Save You Money

With the introduction of new customs duties, every new technological device risks becoming significantly more expensive for US consumers. In an uncertain economic context, repair is confirmed as one of the most effective solutions to reduce costs and ensure the greater longevity of existing devices. Matt Zieminski of iFixit, in an article published on the company's website, supports this, underlining how the current context makes the right to repair even more relevant and strategic.

We recall iFixit, a US platform specializing in electronic device repair that provides free detailed guides, sells original or compatible tools and spare parts, and actively promotes the right to repair. It collaborates with companies, technicians, and institutions to make electronics more accessible, sustainable, and durable.

Repairing is the Most Economical Choice

According to an analysis conducted last January by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), an association traditionally opposed to the right to repair, according to Zieminski, the new customs tariffs could increase the price of consumer electronics by up to 16.4%. But the figures could be even higher: last week's announcement confirmed duties even higher than those hypothesized by the CTA. A symbolic example is the cost of producing an iPhone, which could go from about USD $550 to 850. Part of this increase will inevitably end up falling on the end consumer.

Repairs are not entirely immune to the effects of these tariffs, however. The costs of purchasing spare parts and tools are also set to rise. However, as Zieminski points out, repairs will likely continue to cost much less than purchasing a new device and are therefore the most rational and economical choice in a scenario of economic uncertainty.

 Local Production is Not an Immediate Solution

Moving manufacturing to the U.S. could mitigate some of the impact of the tariffs, but it’s a long, expensive, and uncertain process. Building factories, training workers, and establishing local supply chains takes years, and not all manufacturers will choose to go that route.

That’s why iFixit is proposing an alternative, more affordable route: extending the life of devices that consumers already own. Instead of waiting for a renaissance in American manufacturing, manufacturers should focus on the efficiency and durability of existing electronics. Manufacturers, Zieminski says, need to learn to anticipate problems, not just react to them, and give consumers the knowledge and tools they need to make repairs safely and reliably. 

Right-to-repair laws have been gaining traction in the U.S., Europe, and other countries in recent years. While enforcement is uneven, they’re starting to convince manufacturers to take a more collaborative approach. Those who choose to support repair proactively, notes iFixit, obtain tangible benefits in terms of customer loyalty, environmental sustainability, and economic value. And even if customs duties were to be withdrawn in the future, the companies that have invested in this area will continue to benefit.

 Repairability and Collaboration

Aftermarket ecosystems currently enable some repair of many devices, but there are still significant gaps. To fill these gaps, manufacturers must make a real commitment, offering clear documentation, affordable spare parts, rapid availability of components, and design that is repairable by design.

In this context, iFixit proposes active collaboration with companies: jointly creating repair guides, distributing original parts through its marketplace, sharing technical data to improve device design, building service networks, supporting the iFixit Pro network, and educational initiatives to train new generations of technicians and engineers.

For Zieminski, repair is not just a good practice or a sustainable gesture: it is a strategic necessity to build a more resilient economy. In a historical moment in which economic uncertainties are multiplying, repair represents a concrete response to reduce the impact of price increases, enhance the resources we already have, and ensure a more sustainable future.