TechCheck Trump, Cook clash over iPhones 5/15/25
May 15, 2025
Steve Kovac, a tech reporter for CNBC, dives into the recent clash between Donald Trump and Apple’s Tim Cook over iPhone production shifts to India. Kovac explains how Trump’s tariffs are reshaping supply chains and stirring political tensions. The discussion reveals the complexities Apple faces while navigating manufacturing challenges and highlights the potential impact on U.S. jobs. With insights into the tech industry's future, this conversation unveils the intricate dance between politics, production, and technology.
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Trump Criticizes iPhone Production Shift
- President Trump publicly criticizes Tim Cook over Apple's iPhone production moving to India.
- Trump wants iPhones made in the U.S., not India, reflecting tariff-driven supply chain tensions.
Apple's Supply Chain Shift Explained
- Apple plans to source iPhones sold in the U.S. from India to avoid tariffs on China.
- Macs and other products will come from Vietnam, with China supplying the rest of the world.
Challenges of U.S. iPhone Production
- Making iPhones in the U.S. would be enormously expensive and impact affordability.
- Apple's Asian supply chain keeps prices low and efficient; shifting production domestically challenges that balance.