A Legal Reprieve and New Tariff Threats Reshape Apple’s Financial Landscape

A significant legal ruling from Washington has provided Apple with a dual-edged development concerning international trade policy. The U.S. Supreme Court has invalidated key portions of previous tariffs, offering the tech giant potential cost relief. However, this respite may be short-lived, as new tariff proposals emerged almost immediately.

Supreme Court Ruling Eases Financial Burden

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court determined that the previous administration lacked the legal authority to impose certain global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This judgment directly impacts a substantial portion of the duties that were enacted.

The financial implications for Apple are concrete, not merely symbolic. According to CNBC reporting, the corporation paid approximately $3.3 billion in tariffs over the last three fiscal quarters, with recent payments nearing $1 billion per quarter. The removal of this expense could lower production and import costs. Furthermore, it may reduce the immediate pressure to accelerate the shift of manufacturing capacity out of China.

Apple had already initiated supply chain diversification in response to the earlier tariff environment. Reports indicate about half of all iPhones shipped to the United States now originate from India. Sourcing for other products, including Mac computers, AirPods, and Apple Watch, has been increased from Vietnam, partly due to more favorable tariff conditions there.

The company’s shares were among the stronger performers in the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Friday. Market data showed a closing price of €224.60.

Refund Potential and Looming New Levies

The court’s decision raises a subsequent, complex question: is Apple eligible to reclaim tariffs already paid? Economists from the Penn Wharton Budget Model suggest, per Reuters, that over $175 billion in total U.S. tariff revenue could potentially be subject to refund claims. The New York Times reported that Apple declined to comment on this possibility.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Apple?

This legal victory does not automatically translate to long-term planning certainty. Shortly after the ruling, new tariff plans were announced, proposing a 10% “global baseline tariff” using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits duties for 150 days without congressional approval. In a Saturday statement covered by Reuters, the proposal was further amended to suggest a rate of 15%. The core takeaway is a shift in legal rationale, not an end to tariff discussions.

Market Analysts Shift Focus to Product Pipeline

Investment firm Evercore ISI reaffirmed its “Outperform” rating on Apple stock on Friday, as noted by CNBC. Their analysis posits that the Supreme Court’s decision alleviates many bearish concerns, allowing investor attention to refocus on the upcoming iPhone 17 cycle and potential growth in the latter half of 2026.

This aligns with Apple’s scheduled product event on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. Reports from 9to5Mac and MacRumors indicate the “special Apple Experience” will showcase several new products. These are expected to include an iPhone 17e, new MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and updated iPads. Separately, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reported that Apple might opt for a series of daily announcements in the lead-up to the event, rather than a single traditional keynote presentation.

Concurrently, Apple faces a new legal challenge. A lawsuit filed in West Virginia, as reported by CNBC, alleges the company has done too little to combat depictions of child sexual abuse material on iOS devices and within iCloud services. The complaint specifically criticizes encryption practices as obstacles for investigators. Apple stated that user safety and privacy, especially for children, are fundamental priorities.

In summary, the court ruling provides near-term relief from a major cost factor. Whether this evolves into a lasting advantage depends heavily on the speed and efficacy of any new tariff implementations. Meanwhile, the market’s gaze is splitting between these regulatory developments and the anticipated product announcements surrounding March 4.