Apple is set to launch its iPhone 17 as Donald Trump’s administration pushes for U.S.-based manufacturing. The unveiling comes amid trade tariffs, production debates, and Apple’s multi-billion-dollar commitments.

Apple Prepares for iPhone 17 Launch

Apple will officially unveil its next generation of smartphones on Tuesday, marking one of the most anticipated events in the technology calendar. The upcoming iPhone 17 models will be the first devices launched since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and renewed his push for U.S.-based manufacturing through a wave of tariffs.

The Californian tech giant’s product launches have historically set global trends, and expectations remain high despite mounting political pressure and growing scrutiny of its overseas supply chains.

Naming Shift After iOS 26 Reveal

If Apple continues its long-standing naming convention, the new smartphones will be branded as the iPhone 17. However, recent changes suggest the company is willing to deviate from tradition.

At its developer conference in June, Apple surprised audiences by unveiling its next operating system as iOS 26—named not sequentially but after the year ahead. The strategy, which mirrors decades of marketing tactics in the automotive industry, signals Apple’s broader shift in branding.

Despite the change in software naming, analysts still expect the upcoming handsets to carry the iPhone 17 label, ensuring continuity with the device’s globally recognised brand identity.

Manufacturing Debate Intensifies

Apple continues to rely heavily on production centres in China and India, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. Reports indicate that Trump’s administration expressed “great surprise” that the new iPhone 17 models will not be made in the United States, despite tariffs designed to incentivise domestic manufacturing.

President Trump and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have both insisted that Apple should shift iPhone production to American factories. Yet analysts warn such a move is not feasible in the short term.

Relocating production to the U.S. would take years to achieve and would drive up costs significantly—potentially doubling or tripling the current average retail price of around $1,000.

Apple’s Investment Pledges

In an attempt to ease political tensions, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has promised vast investments in the U.S. economy. Initially, the company pledged $500 billion over four years, before increasing that figure to $600 billion with an additional $100 billion commitment last month.

In a symbolic gesture, Cook also presented President Trump with a statue mounted on a 24-karat gold base, further highlighting Apple’s attempts to build goodwill with the administration while maintaining its global production network.

 iPhone 17 Faces Political and Market Test

As Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 17, the company finds itself balancing innovation with geopolitical challenges. The product launch is expected to draw global attention, but debate over where the iPhone is manufactured continues to intensify.

For Apple, the unveiling is more than just a showcase of cutting-edge technology—it is a moment that could shape its political and economic future in a world where trade policies and supply chains are increasingly intertwined.