Just hours before the new, hefty tariffs on Chinese imports in the United States took effect, President Trump made a critical move. Trump signed an executive order postponing the tariff increase for 90 days, bringing relief to many companies. This postponement benefited many companies, especially tech giant Apple. It is a strategic victory, especially for Apple, which is preparing to launch its new iPhone model.

Apple Secures iPhone 17 and Q4 Release

Today’s signing has postponed the deadline for tariffs expected to reach a record 145%. This postponement will last until mid-November. The 90-day period means Apple can complete its most critical fiscal fourth quarter without significant cost increases.

This development is crucial for Apple, as the fourth quarter is particularly crucial in the company’s financial calendar. It also covers the first weeks of the highly anticipated iPhone 17’s release. Thanks to the postponement, Apple will be able to launch its new flagship model without incurring tariffs. Apple has been working diligently for some time to shift iPhone production for the US market from China to India. This 90-day delay gives the company significant flexibility in its production planning. If production in India initially falls short of US demand, Apple will be able to continue shipping duty-free. During this period, it can ship from its Chinese facilities.

Apple CEO Tim Cook stated during the company’s 2025 third-quarter earnings report that the tariffs cost the company $800 million in that quarter. He predicted the impact for the fourth quarter would be approximately $1.1 billion. Cook’s statements at the time had created expectations that there would be no new tariff increases, and today’s delay confirms these expectations.

Interestingly, Apple stock didn’t see any significant movement after the news of the delay broke. This suggests that financial markets had already purchased this possibility and had already priced in the decision.

Yet, the reality is that Apple has made a crucial 90-day profit during one of the most crucial weeks of the year. The new mid-November deadline could see another delay. If the tariffs are fully lifted, Apple could enter the holiday season without worrying about tariffs.