Apple has taken drastic measures to avoid the impact of new US tariffs on its iPhone sales, reportedly airshipping 600 tons of devices from India to the US in a bid to beat the deadline. According to Reuters and The Times of India, the company lobbied officials to speed up customs clearance, added workers, and even temporarily kept its plant in India running on a Sunday to achieve a 20% increase in production.

The move is seen as a strategic attempt to stockpile iPhones in the US before the new tariffs take effect, which could lead to significant price hikes for consumers. Nikkei Asia reports that Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and Lenovo were pressing to ship as many "premium" devices as possible, including high-priced computers above $3,000 that would see the biggest price increases under the new tariffs.

The estimated 1.5 million devices shipped out since March could help Apple avoid raising prices for a while, but the long-term implications of the tariffs on the tech industry remain unclear. The tariffs, which were initially paused, are reportedly testing tech supply chains around the world, with companies scrambling to adjust their production and shipping strategies.

Other tech giants are also taking steps to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. HP initially told suppliers to stick to the original shipping plan but reversed its decision within 24 hours, opting to ship as many devices to the US as possible. The company is also planning to increase production in Mexico. Meanwhile, Samsung is reducing smartphone component orders for the middle of 2025, while some PC makers like Lenovo and Acer are indicating they'll increase output focus for non-US markets.

The tariffs are part of a broader trade dispute between the US and other countries, with China responding by reducing the number of US films it will show. The move has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the global economy and the tech industry in particular.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the tariffs will affect consumer prices and the overall tech industry landscape. One thing is clear, however: companies like Apple are willing to go to great lengths to minimize the impact of the tariffs on their business.

The news comes as the tech industry is already facing significant challenges, from supply chain disruptions to increased competition and regulatory scrutiny. As the tariffs take effect, companies will need to be agile and adaptable to navigate the changing landscape and stay ahead of the competition.

In the meantime, consumers can expect to see the effects of the tariffs trickle down to the market, with potential price hikes and changes to product availability. As the situation continues to evolve, we'll be keeping a close eye on the developments and their implications for the tech industry.