Tariffs & iPhones: Ozarks Apple product repair shop uncertain of impacts
SPRINGFIELD — Since 1984, Simply Everything Apple has been one of the go-to places for people to get their Apple products worked on.
They answered questions from Ozarks First about what tariffs could mean for the future of your iPhone and other Apple Products.
One of Springfield's only certified Apple Premier Partners, Simply Everything Apple on East Battlefield has been helping customers with their Apple products for over 40 years. The best part, says General Manager Andrew Porting, is that they are locally owned.
'We've been locally owned and operated since August of '84. So coming up on 41 years. Pretty exciting for us. We've been a partner in the local community for any Apple service and sales needs since then as well,' says Porting. 'We partner with Apple, meaning we are one of their go to destinations instead of going to St. Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, one of the bigger Apple corporate stores.'
The company does any and all repairs that Apple offers. Most commonly, they work on displays for iPhone and Mac, as well as batteries and camera issues. They use genuine Apple parts, and have had a front row seat to see the everchanging world of Apple products.
'It's always fun to see how everything's adapting and changing. Technology in general is just always evolving. As you know, the phone in your pocket is very different than it was ten years ago,' says Porting.
Technological changes are just part of the equation. They along with others in the industry are keeping a close eye on what tariffs could mean for their business and customers. It's something they get questions on from customers often.
'Every day, sometimes several times an hour. A lot of those questions are, you know, 'What's going to happen?' (We have) no idea,' Porting says.
The Trump administration has been putting pressure on China through tariffs on goods including electronics, which is where Apple makes a large portion of its devices. While tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports have been reported, there has been speculation that smartphones and other electronics could be exempt.
President Trump indicated last week on social media that are no exemptions, and that electronic products may be subject to a 20% existing 'Fentanyl Tariff'. This, as the President says the National Security Tariff Investigations team is taking a look at semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain. In part, here is what the President said earlier this week on social media:
'NOBODY is getting 'off the hook' for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no Tariff 'exception' announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff 'bucket.' The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it. We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations.'
– President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, April 13th 2025
Porting stresses that they have no interest in taking a political position. But they are keeping on eye on how policy could affect the industry they work in. Porting says they are taking it one day at a time.
However, Porting shared some insight on what he has heard within the industry, and how Apple is preparing for all possibilities.
'From what we've heard, Apple has been trying to buy as much stock as they can or inventory to hold over as long as they can. We're similar trying to keep our products in stock so we have what customers need in the long term,' Porting says.
We asked Porting to put himself in the shoes of a consumer, and how he could see people reacting with their wallets if high percentage tariffs do go into effect on electronics.
'If they were to take effect, I could see people holding onto their devices longer, meaning our service department is more in play for people who want to repair the devices they already have rather than buy new,' Porting explains.
'I absolutely think we'll see more people holding onto their phones for, you know, another generation. Maybe instead of upgrading every year, every other year, they might wait two or three or four years instead. I don't think that's a bad thing, honestly. I think keeping the e-recycling down is the best option for the world as a whole.'
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