Apple Hits 3 Billion iPhones Shipped, Fueled by Demand and Tariff Fears
Tech Giant Reports Strong Q3 Earnings Amidst Evolving Market Dynamics
In a significant milestone, Apple has announced the shipment of its three billionth iPhone. CEO Tim Cook revealed the landmark figure during the company’s recent third-quarter earnings call, highlighting the device’s continued global dominance and a surprising surge in demand.
Record Quarter Amidst Trade Tensions
Apple’s third quarter saw impressive performance, with the iPhone experiencing double-digit growth. The company reported a substantial $94 billion in revenue, marking a 10 percent year-over-year increase. This growth appears to be partly influenced by consumer reactions to potential trade policies.
Apple should be very pleased with the folks who spread the lies that the iPhone will cost $3000 or $25,000 if made in the U.S. Clearly that helped a ton for the June quarter.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) July 31, 2025
Industry analyst Mark Gurman suggested that consumer anxieties about potential tariffs, leading to fears of future price hikes, significantly boosted iPhone sales in the last quarter. He noted that false claims of exorbitant future prices may have driven purchasing decisions.
Tariff Impact and Future Models
The impact of trade tariffs was also a key discussion point. Tim Cook stated that these tariffs cost Apple $800 million in the quarter ending in June. Looking ahead, the company anticipates similar costs, projecting tariffs to amount to $1.1 billion for the next quarter.
As Apple prepares to unveil its latest iPhone models, rumored to be released in September, speculation about a new “iPhone 17 Air” model is mounting. This device is expected to be an ultra-thin offering with a single camera and an A19 chip, potentially priced around $900.
Investing Heavily in Artificial Intelligence
Beyond iPhone sales, Tim Cook also emphasized Apple’s commitment to artificial intelligence, stating that the company is “significantly growing out investments” in the field. He indicated that strategic acquisitions to bolster its AI capabilities and accelerate its development roadmap are actively being considered.
In 2023, the global market for AI software was valued at approximately $134 billion and is projected to grow significantly in the coming years (Grand View Research, 2024), underscoring the strategic importance of Apple’s AI investments.
