Technologies
Buy or Wait Guide: 10 Experts Predict How Tariffs Will Change Tech Prices in 2025 and What to Do Now
From cars to cameras, CNET experts weigh in on what you should consider buying now before tariffs increase prices.

US President Donald Trump’s steep new import duties will drive up prices for most major tech products in the coming year, according to economists. But whether that will change the timing of your next tech purchase depends on what kind of tech you need.
We asked CNET’s experts for their thoughts on what devices and products you should look at buying now, and what you can wait on, covering everything from phones, earbuds and laptops to gaming consoles, smart thermostats, electric vehicles and cameras.
Many of these products are either imported in their entirety or contain components that are not made in the US, like graphics processing units for PCs. Importing all those separate components will lead to higher costs under Trump’s barrage of tariffs.
Read more: Tariffs Explained: Impacts for You as Trump Confirms Worldwide Tariff Wave
The tariffs will have an effect on a sweeping range of consumer expenditures, well beyond just tech products. Your groceries will likely see bumps in the prices of bananas, coffee and seafood, among other things. Much of the clothing, footwear and furniture we buy is made overseas. It’s an indication of how the modern economy is built on a global scale with often complicated lines of interdependence. The Trump administration is hoping that the tariffs will lead to more manufacturing on American soil.
If you’re not ready to make a purchase now, don’t let yourself be rushed. Especially for products priced in the thousands of dollars — you should always make sure that a purchase is a good fit for your budget. It’s also unknown at the moment how long the tariffs might be in effect.
«The tariffs are sweeping, and the effects are going to be even broader,» says Neale Mahoney, director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and professor of economics at Stanford University. «It’s not a good time to be a consumer.»
Read more: How Much Will iPhone and Other Apple Prices Increase With ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs?
Even goods that aren’t directly impacted by the new tariffs could increase in price, according to Mahoney. During the first Trump administration, tariffs increased prices on washing machines, not dryers, but dryer prices increased as well. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, used car prices increased along with new car prices.
«There’s going to be some uncertainty as we move to what economists call a new equilibrium,» he says.
Read more: CNET Survey: Worries Over Tariff Price Hikes Are Pushing Americans to Buy Tech Sooner
Mobile devices
Phones
While Trump’s tariffs are aimed at increasing US-based manufacturing and boosting sales of products already made here, CNET’s managing editor for the mobile team, Patrick Holland, points out that there isn’t a mainstream phone that’s completely made in the US.
«Components come from all around the world,» Holland says. «That’s true for Apple, Samsung or Xiaomi. So Apple being based in the US is at a similar disadvantage from tariffs as Samsung is being based in South Korea.»
Holland is optimistic that Apple will find a way to offset or absorb some of the increased importation costs in the short term. Nearly all iPhones are made in China, with the rest also made overseas.
Read more: Mortgage Rate Predictions: Will Tariffs Impact Spring Homebuying?
Holland’s advice is to hold onto your current phone for as long as you can, rather than running out to buy one in the hopes of beating a possible price hike.
Other experts are also warning against panic buying an iPhone, despite predicting that Apple’s prices could rise by around 10% in coming months. «[Tariffs] could lead to price increases of $50 to $150 on higher-end products like the iPhone Pro Max models and MacBook Pros,» Stephan Shipe, a certified financial planner and CEO of Scholar Financial Advising, told CNET earlier this week.
Wall Street analysts from Rosenblatt Securities, according to Reuters, anticipate that if the 43% tariff on China is passed to consumers, the cost of an iPhone 16 could rise from $799 to $1,142; the iPhone 16 Pro Max could increase from $1,599 to $2,300; and even the newly launched low-end iPhone 16e could increase in pricing from $599 to $856.
And prices could be driven even higher after China on Friday retaliated by placing export restrictions on rare earth elements used in producing phones, EVs and other electronics.
If tariffs and general inflation are affecting your ability to pay for a brand new, high-end phone, Holland’s best budget pick for those looking for a deal on a phone is the $500 Google Pixel 8A. «It has one of the best values of any phone sold today,» he says. «But I look forward to testing the recently announced Pixel 9A that goes on sale Thursday, April 10.»
Smartwatches
Smartwatches may not be affected by the tariffs this year, according to Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET lead writer for smartwatches and wearable technology. «I’m not sure if it will hit this year’s smartwatch production cycle despite reports,» she says. «At this point in production, it’s likely that all the manufacturing pieces for the 2025 watch models have already been ordered.»
But for next year’s watch production, she’s hopeful that Trump will realize the economic blow to businesses and individuals and reverse his stance on tariffs just like he did with the TikTok ban. Otherwise, tariffs will no doubt affect the pricing of 2026 smartwatches.
Hand Orellana also cautioned against panic buying: «I know a lot of people who are stocking up on products right now because of tariffs, and I can’t help feeling that this doomsday-style planning is just going to leave me with a pile of stuff,» she says.
Earbuds
If you’re in the market for a new set of earbuds, CNET executive editor David Carnoy says pricing will likely remain the same for existing inventory already in stores.
«But as inventory is depleted, prices could rise if the tariffs remain in place. And all bets are off for new products coming to market,» Carnoy says.
Current products should remain stable, but we could be in for «sticker shock» with new product releases from big names later this year. Carnoy has already seen Edifier increase its price of the NeoBuds Planar; they were initially set to be launched at $200, but when they hit the market on March 11, they were adjusted to $300 due to an increase in tariffs.
«As Edifier did, companies will bake in the price increase at launch. We were seeing $10 to $20 inflationary price increases on more premium next-gen earbuds and headphones even before the tariffs. We could see $40 to $50 price increases now with new products,» Carnoy warns.
Gaming consoles
High-end consoles
The question is whether retailers will instantly begin raising prices, or whether new pricing would only apply to inventory that’s imported from now on, CNET senior editor and gaming writer David Lumb says. He advises buying before the next restock in the next few days or the next week or two, just to make absolutely sure, if a purchase is something you’ve already budgeted for.
«If you really want a console already on the market, my instinct is to buy before the next restock to make absolutely sure — whether that means in the next few days or the next week or two,» Lumb advises. «Companies are reeling now, but still selling.»
The Nintendo Switch 2, introduced this week, is also likely to be affected. It won’t be available until June 5, but already US preorders of the Switch 2 have been delayed due to the tariffs. Preorders of the Switch 2 were supposed to begin on April 9, with a starting price of $450. It’s not yet known whether the pricing will increase, or what date preorders will begin.
«If people want a console currently on the market, like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it might be smart to buy now,» Lumb says. «Even if retailers don’t need to raise prices, they might anyway out of uncertainty, panic or greed.»
Gaming PCs
Like laptops and phones, the biggest worry is over the internal components of gaming PCs. «These will almost surely get hit with tariff-related increases — especially since many are made by smaller companies than Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft that can absorb some or all of these tariff increases (if they want),» Lumb says.
Several factors have already made GPUs a high-cost component, and this will likely only worsen with tariffs.
«GPUs have seen skyrocketing prices in the last 6 to 8 years due to successive event trends that caused scarcity — namely the crypto mining craze and pandemic-related supply chain issues, during which the world’s biggest GPU maker, Nvidia, steadily raised its prices,» Lumb explains. That, combined with its central role in the gen AI boom, caused stocks to skyrocket and Nvidia to become one of the richest companies in the world, he says. «So they won’t blink at raising GPU prices even more.»
AMD told CNET that while semiconductors are exempt from the new tariffs, it is «assessing the details and any impacts on our broader customer and partner ecosystem.»
Handheld consoles
As for handheld gaming consoles, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Go S and the other smaller PC-on-the-go handhelds, Lumb predicts tariff pricing increases will kick in pretty quickly as these devices «don’t have the institutional resistance to keep prices low.»
«If you’re thinking about a handheld, it’s probably better to buy one now,» he advises.
So the gamers who are most advised to «buy now» are those buying PCs or handheld gaming devices.
Computers
Laptops and PCs
The tariffs are going to require buyers to be smart shoppers, hunting for bargains.
«I’ve already seen prices increase on laptops since the threat of tariffs were known,» says Matthew Elliott, CNET senior editor for laptops and computers. «But most vendors and online retailers offer rotating sales, so you can still find a good deal if you have the time and patience to monitor pricing, and time your purchase for when a discount hits the model you want.»
Tariffs have already affected laptop pricing. Acer CEO Jason Chen said in February that the company would raise its prices by 10% in anticipation. «We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff,» the CEO of the Taiwan-based company said. «We think 10 (percent) probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. It’s very straightforward.»
Even if computer companies want to shift and obtain their parts from the US, it’s not likely to be practical.
«All computers and peripherals are likely to be touched by these global tariffs in some way,» says Josh Goldman, CNET managing editor for computers. «While there are companies big and small that assemble PCs in the US and there are US component makers, it’s unlikely all parts can currently be sourced from US manufacturers.»
His advice is to get that computer soon if you need one, but — as Elliott notes above — look for sales and deals, like the upcoming Memorial Day sales.
«I wouldn’t wait to see if prices go up and out of financial reach,» Goldman recommends. «That said, spring is typically filled with sales on tech for Memorial Day weekend, dads and grads and then back-to-school. Discounts might not be as deep as in the past, but if you keep an eye on a model you want, you should be able to minimize the impact of the tariffs on your purchase.»
One tiny bit of good news is that you may not have to worry about the pricing of used and refurbished tech devices and laptops. They could be a good way to save money and keep tech out of landfill.
But don’t get too excited: «If the tariffs do drastically increase the prices on new computers for an extended time, it’s possible even the prices on refurbished devices will go up with demand,» Goldman warns.
Home tech
Now is also a good time to buy smart home tech like higher-end security cameras, video doorbells, smart thermostats and smart displays, according to the advice of Tyler Lacoma, CNET smart home and home security editor. Especially if you’re eyeing home devices in the over-$200 price point.
«The impact of tariffs will be most noticeable among smart home technology that already has higher prices,» Lacoma says.
But don’t expect to find a secret cache of smart-home products that will go untouched by the tariffs.
«Home tech devices are a combination of computer chips, electronic components and many different frame materials,» he says. «I doubt there is any device that will be unaffected by the latest tariff news.»
Cameras
If you’ve got a camera on your wish list, you shouldn’t wait to buy it, says CNET senior writer Jeff Carlson — who’s written numerous books about photography and who co-hosts the PhotoActive.co podcast.
«I hate to inspire panic-buying, but I’d say if you’re already planning on buying a camera now but wanted to wait until the next revision rolls around, it’s possible that waiting will cost you more,» Carlson warns.
A lot of camera equipment comes from Japan, and as recently as a week ago, some photography experts were hoping that country wouldn’t be affected by the tariffs. But Carlson still found himself in an exceptionally crowded camera store recently, as buyers worried that any electronics from Asia might jump in price.
«And now we know that Japan is included, so they were right to come in,» Carlson notes.
Electric vehicles and other cars
Most Americans can’t rush out and stock up on SUVs just because of the new tariffs, even though car prices will almost certainly go up. But you might not realize that vehicles aren’t the only automotive item that will be affected — things like dashboard cameras and EV chargers for your home could also become more expensive.
«The tariffs will also likely affect automotive parts and accessories, so if you’re on the fence about picking up a dash cam, portable jump starter or extra EV charger, now might be a good time to pull the trigger,» says Antuan Goodwin, CNET writer and automotive and EVs expert.
The tariffs aren’t good news for car junkies, Goodwin notes.
«Many of the tariffs are laser-targeted at the automotive industry, so there’s not much that won’t be affected,» he says. «From the vehicles themselves to the parts they’re made of, consumers should expect that everything automotive, even for domestic makes, will get more expensive.»
The tariffs could also mean more expensive repairs and replacement parts for the cars we already own.
Technologies
Tariffs Explained: Latest on Trump’s Shifting Import Tax Plan, and What It Means
Technologies
Apple, I’m (Sky) Blue About Your iPhone 17 Air Color
Commentary: The rumored new hue of the iPhone 17 Air is more sky blah than sky blue.

I can’t help but feel blue about the latest rumor that Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 Air will take flight in a subtle, light-hued color called sky blue.
Sky blue isn’t a new color for Apple. It’s the featured shade of the current M4 MacBook Air, a shimmer of cerulean so subtle as to almost be missed. It’s silver left too close to an aquarium; silver that secretly likes to think it’s blue but doesn’t want everyone else to notice.
Do Apple employees get to go outside and see a real blue sky? It’s actually vivid, you can check for yourself. Perhaps the muted sky blue color reflects a Bay Area late winter/early spring frequent layer of clouds like we typically see here in Seattle.
«Who cares?» you might find yourself saying. «Everyone gets a case anyway.» I hear you and everyone else who’s told me that. But design-focused Apple is as obsessive about colors as they are about making their devices thinner. And I wonder if their heads are in the clouds about which hues adorn their pro products.
Making the case for a caseless color iPhone
I’m more invested in this conversation than most — I’m one of those freaks who doesn’t wrap my phone in a case. I find cases bulky and superfluous, and I like to be able to see Apple’s design work. Also, true story, I’ve broken my iPhone screen only twice: First when it was in a «bumper» that Apple sent free in response to the iPhone 4 you’re-holding-it-wrong Antennagate fiasco, and second when trying to take long exposure starry night photos using what I didn’t realize was a broken tripod mount. My one-week-old iPhone 13 Pro slipped sideways and landed screen-first on a pointy rock. A case wouldn’t have saved it.
My current model is an iPhone 16 Pro in black titanium — which I know seems like avoiding color entirely — but previously I’ve gone for colors like blue titanium and deep purple. I wanted to like deep purple the most but it came across as, in the words of Patrick Holland in his iPhone 14 Pro review, «a drab shade of gray or like Grimace purple,» depending on the light.
Pros can be bold, too
Maybe the issue is too many soft blues. Since the iPhone Pro age began with the iPhone 11 Pro, we’ve seen variations like blue titanium (iPhone 15 Pro), sierra blue (iPhone 13 Pro) and pacific blue (iPhone 12 Pro).
Pacific blue is the boldest of the bunch, if by bold you mean dark enough to discern from silver, but it’s also close enough to that year’s graphite color that seeing blue depends on the surrounding lighting. By comparison, the blue (just «blue») color of the iPhone 12 was unmistakably bright blue.
In fact, the non-Pro lines have embraced vibrant colors. It’s as if Apple is equating «pro» with «sophisticated,» as in «A real pro would never brandish something this garish.» I see this in the camera world all the time: If it’s not all-black, it’s not a «serious» camera.
And yet I know lots of pros who are not sophisticated — proudly so. People choose colors to express themselves, so forcing that idea of professionalism through color feels needlessly restrictive. A bright pink iPhone 16 might make you smile every time you pick it up but then frown because it doesn’t have a telephoto camera.
Color is also important because it can sway a purchase decision. «I would buy a sky blue iPhone yesterday,» my colleague Gael Cooper texted after the first rumor popped online. When each new generation of iPhones arrive, less technically different than the one before, a color you fall in love with can push you into trading in your perfectly-capable model for a new one.
And lest you think Apple should just stick with black and white for its professional phones: Do you mean black, jet black, space black, midnight black, black titanium, graphite or space gray? At least the lighter end of the spectrum has stuck to just white, white titanium and silver over the years.
Apple never got ahead by being beige
I’m sure Apple has reams of studies and customer feedback that support which colors make it to production each year. Like I said, Apple’s designers are obsessive (in a good way). And I must remind myself that a sky blue iPhone 17 Air is a rumored color on a rumored product so all the usual caveats apply.
But we’re talking about Apple here. The scrappy startup that spent more than any other company on business cards at the time because each one included the old six-color Apple logo. The company that not only shaped the first iMac like a tipped-over gumdrop, that not only made the case partially see-through but then made that cover brilliant Bondi blue.
Embrace the iPhone colors, Apple.
If that makes you nervous, don’t worry: Most people will put a case on it anyway.
Technologies
Astronomers Say There’s an Increased Possibility of Life on This Distant Planet
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers are working to confirm potential evidence of life on a distant exoplanet dubbed K2-18b.

Astronomers are nearing a statistically significant finding that could confirm the potential signs of life detected on the distant exoplanet K2-18b are no accident.
The team of astronomers, led by the University of Cambridge, used data from the James Webb Space Telescope (which has only been in use since the end of 2021) to detect chemical traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and/or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which they say can only be produced by life such as phytoplankton in the sea.
According to the university, «the results are the strongest evidence yet that life may exist on a planet outside our solar system.»
The findings were published this week in the Astrophysical Journal Letters and point to the possibility of an ocean on this planet’s surface, which scientists have been hoping to discover for years. In the abstract for the paper, the team says, «The possibility of hycean worlds, with planet-wide oceans and H2-rich atmospheres, significantly expands and accelerates the search for habitable environments elsewhere.»
Not everyone agrees, however, that what the team found proves there’s life on the exoplanet.
Science writer and OpenMind Magazine founder Corey S. Powell posted about the findings on Bluesky, writing, «The potential discovery of alien life is so enticing that it drags even reputable outlets into running naive or outright misleading stories.» He added, «Here we go again with planet K2-18b.Um….there’s strong evidence of non-biological sources of the molecule DMS.»
K2-18b is 124 light-years away and much larger than Earth (more than eight times our mass), but smaller than Neptune. The search for signs of even basic life on a planet like this increases the chances that there are more planets like Earth that may be inhabitable, with temperatures and atmospheres that could sustain human-like lifeforms. The team behind the paper hopes that more study with the James Webb Space Telescope will help confirm their initial findings.
More research to do on finding life on K2-18b
The exoplanet K2-18b is not the only place where scientists are exploring the possibility of life, and this research is still an early step in the process, said Christopher Glein, a geochemist, planetary researcher and lead scientist at San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute. Excitement over the significance of the research, he said, should be tempered.
«We need to be careful here,» Glein said. «It appears that there is something in the data that can’t be explained, and DMS/DMDS can provide an explanation. But this detection is stretching the limits of JWST’s capabilities.»
Glein added, «Further work is needed to test whether these molecules are actually present. We also need complementary research assessing the abiotic background on K2-18b and similar planets. That is, the chemistry that can occur in the absence of life in this potentially exotic environment. We might be seeing evidence of some cool chemistry rather than life.»
The TRAPPIST-1 planets, he said, are being researched as potentially habitable, as is LHS 1140b, which he said «is another astrobiologically significant exoplanet, which might be a massive ocean world.»
As for K2-18b, Glein said many more tests need to be performed before there’s consensus on life existing on it.
«Finding evidence of life is like prosecuting a case in the courtroom,» Glein said. «Multiple independent lines of evidence are needed to convince the jury, in this case the worldwide scientific community.» He added, «If this finding holds up, then that’s Step 1.»
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