Semi-solid batteries to power affordable Chinese EVs promising 334-mile range
As part of a media event on Thursday, MG's division general manager Chen Cui announced that the upcoming MG4 electric hatchback will be the world's first budget EV to feature a semi-solid-state battery, a technology until now limited to premium or concept cars.
The new MG4 will debut on August 5. The battery, supplied by QingTao Energy, uses only 5% liquid electrolyte, improving safety and stability. MG adds that the model has passed strict safety tests, including a full 360-degree puncture test.
MG also claims that in cold temperatures of 19.4°F, the battery retains 13.8% more range than traditional lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, a significant advantage for drivers in colder climates, where battery efficiency and range typically decrease.
Semi-solid battery boosts range and safety
The innovative battery technology that the new MG4 uses combines the advantages of solid-state and traditional liquid batteries by incorporating a semi-solid electrolyte. This design significantly enhances safety, energy density, and durability.
Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, semi-solid-state batteries lower the risk of overheating and fires while providing longer driving ranges and faster charging times. The battery on MG4 is estimated to deliver a range of 334 miles and has an energy density of 180 Wh/kg, enhancing performance for everyday drivers.
The vehicle is equipped with a 70 kWh battery pack that powers a 120 kW electric motor mounted at the rear, offering a rear-wheel-drive setup with a single motor. The MG4's rear-wheel drive and balanced power output may appeal to drivers seeking a sportier and more engaging electric hatchback experience.
This configuration could provide better driving dynamics and performance compared to some competitors. For example, the BYD Dolphin's base model uses a front-wheel-drive system with a 70 kW motor, while higher trims offer a more powerful 150 kW motor.
Tech upgrades, aggressive pricing to rival competitors
The updated MG4 is larger than the previous model and its competitors. It measures about 14.4 feet long and 6 feet wide, with a wheelbase of 9 feet. By comparison, the BYD Dolphin is smaller, at 14 feet long and an 8.9-foot wheelbase.
The MG4 is also expected to aggressively complete with the BYD Dolphin in terms of price, as per the announcement made Chen Cui at the event.
Furthermore, the new MG4 will also introduce the MG×Oppo cockpit system, created through a collaboration with Oppo. This advanced system seamlessly connects smartphone features to the car's interface, allowing drivers to use voice commands, navigate with gestures, and sync their phone apps for a more connected driving experience.
Production of the new MG4 has officially begun at parent company SAIC Motor's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China, marking a significant milestone as the group prepares for the model's highly anticipated launch in August.
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Trump tariffs live updates: No immediate tariff pause after US-China talks; Trump says Aug. 1 deadline will stay
President Trump said Tuesday that India may be hit with a tariff rate of 20% to 25%. The country is one of the largest US trade partners seeking an agreement ahead of Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, when nations who have not yet reached a deal will face higher tariffs. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country," he said. Trump on Wednesday again said he would not extend Friday's deadline for tariffs to kick in to levels outlined by deals or letters Trump has sent to country leaders. "THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE IS THE AUGUST FIRST DEADLINE — IT STANDS STRONG, AND WILL NOT BE EXTENDED. A BIG DAY FOR AMERICA!!!" Trump said. Trump confirmed this week that 15% represents the new tariff "floor" for countries, whose rates he has been dictating to leaders in the absence of trade deals. Meanwhile, the US and China concluded their latest round of tariff and trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, with both sides touting progress but without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Trump would make the final call on extending the trade truce between the world's two largest economies. This week's talks were the third round for the countries, which have slowly deescalated trade tensions since Trump imposed gargantuan tariffs in April, and China reciprocated. The countries suspended those tariffs for 90 days — a suspension that is set to end on Aug. 12. Bessent said another 90-day extension is possible. Also, the US and EU are racing to lock in the final details of their major new trade deal before Friday. Top EU critics say it's a rushed fix. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the outcome unsatisfying and France's Bayrou dubbed the EU's "submission" a "dark day." The agreement includes a baseline tariff rate of 15% on most EU goods imported into the US. Trump called the deal 'the biggest of them all." Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world. Trump says Aug. 1 deadline will not be extended Two posts from Truth Social this morning: And: Harley-Davidson misses second-quarter profit estimates as tariffs weigh Motorcycle maker Harley Davidson (HOG) reported lower second-quarter profit and did not provide an annual forecast on Wednesday, as US President Trump's tariffs continued to weigh on the motorcycle maker. Reuters reports: Read more here. India eyes fall deadline for US deal amid Trump threats India has said that it will continue its negotiations with the US for a trade deal and hope one can be established by fall of 2025, despite President Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, where trading partners will face higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Luxury car brands Aston Martin and Porsche report tariff hit President Trump's tariffs have caused two automakers to either issue warnings on Wednesday or trim outlooks. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin (AML.L, ARGGY) issued a profit warning on Wednesday, citing the impact of US import tariffs and prolonged suppressed Asian demand linked to China's economic slowdown. While Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) luxury brand Porsche cut its full-year profitability target on Wednesday after the EU's trade deal with the US and reported a $462-million hit from tariffs in the first half. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: India may get 20% to 25% tariff but not yet final President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Brazil asks US to spare key food products, planes from tariffs Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. US-China talks end without further pause, with Trump to make 'final call' US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US goods trade deficit hits nearly 2-year low as imports tumble The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. IMF edges 2025 growth forecast slightly higher, warns tariff risks still dog outlook Reuters reports: Read more here. India braces for higher US tariffs, eyes broader trade deal: Sources India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. Why markets are shrugging off lack of details in Trump trade deals The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. Tariffs bleed into profits A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: P&G beats on earnings, warns of $1 billion tariff hit The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. EU, US rush to clinch final details and lock in trade deal The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Stellantis warns of $1.7B US tariff impact in 2025 Stellantis (STLA) shared updated first-half results after giving early numbers last week. The company said that President Trump's tariffs will cost it $1.73 billion in 2025. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Pras Subramanian looks into the automakers earnings further and its anticipated tariff hit: Read more here. Germany's Merz says he did not expect better EU-US trade deal, German economy will suffer Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump says Aug. 1 deadline will not be extended Two posts from Truth Social this morning: And: Two posts from Truth Social this morning: And: Harley-Davidson misses second-quarter profit estimates as tariffs weigh Motorcycle maker Harley Davidson (HOG) reported lower second-quarter profit and did not provide an annual forecast on Wednesday, as US President Trump's tariffs continued to weigh on the motorcycle maker. Reuters reports: Read more here. Motorcycle maker Harley Davidson (HOG) reported lower second-quarter profit and did not provide an annual forecast on Wednesday, as US President Trump's tariffs continued to weigh on the motorcycle maker. Reuters reports: Read more here. India eyes fall deadline for US deal amid Trump threats India has said that it will continue its negotiations with the US for a trade deal and hope one can be established by fall of 2025, despite President Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, where trading partners will face higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. India has said that it will continue its negotiations with the US for a trade deal and hope one can be established by fall of 2025, despite President Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, where trading partners will face higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Luxury car brands Aston Martin and Porsche report tariff hit President Trump's tariffs have caused two automakers to either issue warnings on Wednesday or trim outlooks. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin (AML.L, ARGGY) issued a profit warning on Wednesday, citing the impact of US import tariffs and prolonged suppressed Asian demand linked to China's economic slowdown. While Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) luxury brand Porsche cut its full-year profitability target on Wednesday after the EU's trade deal with the US and reported a $462-million hit from tariffs in the first half. Reuters reports: Read more here. President Trump's tariffs have caused two automakers to either issue warnings on Wednesday or trim outlooks. British luxury carmaker Aston Martin (AML.L, ARGGY) issued a profit warning on Wednesday, citing the impact of US import tariffs and prolonged suppressed Asian demand linked to China's economic slowdown. While Volkswagen's ( VWAGY) luxury brand Porsche cut its full-year profitability target on Wednesday after the EU's trade deal with the US and reported a $462-million hit from tariffs in the first half. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump: India may get 20% to 25% tariff but not yet final President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Brazil asks US to spare key food products, planes from tariffs Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. US-China talks end without further pause, with Trump to make 'final call' US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US goods trade deficit hits nearly 2-year low as imports tumble The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. IMF edges 2025 growth forecast slightly higher, warns tariff risks still dog outlook Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. India braces for higher US tariffs, eyes broader trade deal: Sources India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. Why markets are shrugging off lack of details in Trump trade deals The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. Tariffs bleed into profits A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: P&G beats on earnings, warns of $1 billion tariff hit The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. EU, US rush to clinch final details and lock in trade deal The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Stellantis warns of $1.7B US tariff impact in 2025 Stellantis (STLA) shared updated first-half results after giving early numbers last week. The company said that President Trump's tariffs will cost it $1.73 billion in 2025. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Pras Subramanian looks into the automakers earnings further and its anticipated tariff hit: Read more here. Stellantis (STLA) shared updated first-half results after giving early numbers last week. The company said that President Trump's tariffs will cost it $1.73 billion in 2025. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Pras Subramanian looks into the automakers earnings further and its anticipated tariff hit: Read more here. Germany's Merz says he did not expect better EU-US trade deal, German economy will suffer Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here.
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
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HSBC reportedly considers selling Australian retail bank
HSBC is exploring the sale of its retail bank in Australia, aiming to streamline its global operations, reported The Australian Financial Review, citing sources. The potential sale, managed by Citi, could attract local lenders seeking to expand their credit card offerings. HSBC's Australian retail bank, which provides credit cards, mortgages, and savings accounts, is up for sale as part of a strategic move to optimise operations. While HSBC and Citi have not commented, market sources indicate the bank's focus on retaining its commercial banking operations in Australia. HSBC has operated in Australia since 1986, holding a banking licence since former treasurer Paul Keating opened the market to foreign competition. Despite having A$23bn in owner-occupier mortgages and A$10bn in investor loans by May, HSBC has struggled to compete with local banks. The bank's A$486m in credit card debt surpasses that of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and Macquarie. Additionally, HSBC holds A$18bn in household deposits, appealing to migrants from Asia and wealthy travellers through its multi-currency accounts. A prospective buyer must convince the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that the acquisition will not significantly reduce competition. In 2021, the ACCC approved National Australia Bank's A$1.2bn acquisition of Citi's retail bank in Australia. ANZ's new chief executive, Nuno Matos, who previously led HSBC's retail bank in the UK and Europe, is familiar with HSBC's operations. However, Matos is currently focused on integrating Suncorp Bank, which ANZ acquired last year. In October, HSBC chief executive Georges Elhedery announced plans to streamline the bank's geographic governance structures, reducing them from five regions to two. HSBC is also introducing four new business lines: Hong Kong, the UK, corporate and institutional banking, and international wealth and premier banking. In February, HSBC set a goal to save A$461m in 2025 and reduce its annual cost base by A$1.5bn by the end of next year. The bank is also closing key parts of its investment banking operations in Europe and the Americas. Earlier this week, Brazilian bank BTG Pactual signed a deal to buy HSBC's operations in Uruguay for $175m. "HSBC reportedly considers selling Australian retail bank" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
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Apple may raise iPhone 18 prices after Q2 pull-in, says Jefferies
-- Apple may increase prices for its upcoming iPhone 18 lineup following evidence of strong second-quarter demand and mounting cost pressures, according to analysts at Jefferies. 'We saw more evidence of strong iPhone demand in 2Q25,' said Jefferies, pointing to around 22% year-over-year growth in equipment sales reported by major U.S. telecoms. That figure, the highest in six quarters, was 'driven by pull-in' ahead of potential tariffs, the firm noted, suggesting that industry trackers like Counterpoint and IDC may be underestimating Apple's shipment growth. Jefferies reiterated its forecast of an 8% year-on-year increase in iPhone shipments for the June quarter, above Counterpoint's and IDC's reported figures of 4% and 1.5%, respectively. Despite this strength, Jefferies does not expect a stock re-rating based solely on current data. Looking ahead, Jefferies sees Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) raising the selling price of the iPhone 18 Slim, Plus, and Pro Max models by $50 to help offset 'higher component costs and China tariff.' The price hike would represent a 4%–5% increase year-over-year, but Jefferies cautioned that the move 'may barely cover the above cost increases.' Jefferies also highlighted Apple's accelerating shift of iPhone production to India. It expects 18% of iPhone 18 units to be made in India in the second half of 2025, rising to 35% by late 2026. However, it warned that lower yields and higher logistics costs in India could add pressure to margins. 'Supply chain security and India's localization requirement may prompt AAPL to move even if financially it does not justify the move,' Jefferies added. Related articles Apple may raise iPhone 18 prices after Q2 pull-in, says Jefferies After soaring 149%, this stock is back in our AI's favor - & already +25% in July Surge of 50% since our AI selection, this chip giant still has great potential
