Apple is already assembling iPhone 16e in Brazil

In the midst of the trade war between the US and China, companies like Apple have been trying to find ways to avoid the crazy tariffs imposed by President Trump on imports. A report earlier this month revealed that, as part of these plans, Apple wanted to expand its assembly line in Brazil – and now the company is already assembling the new iPhone 16e in the country.

iPhone 16e is now assembled in Brazil

As reported by MacMagazine, Apple has been assembling the iPhone 16e in Brazil since day one. Although iPhones have been assembled in Brazil for some time now, the company used to wait a few months before starting to produce the latest iPhone locally. Now, it seems that this is no longer the case.

Customers who bought the iPhone 16e in Brazil noticed the label “Assembled in Brazil – Brazilian Industry” on the box. This is also confirmed by Apple in its Brazilian online store, as the purchase URL for the iPhone 16e reveals a model number ending with “BR/A,” which is assigned to products assembled in Brazil. iPhones imported from other countries are labeled “BE/A.”

Documents from Anatel, Brazil’s telecom regulator, confirm that the iPhone 16e is assembled in Brazil, China and India. In Brazil, an iPhone 16e costs around $890. However, it can already be found for $670 at retailers, which is likely due to tariff exemptions for local production. The phone starts at $600 in the US.

According to a recent report, Apple is considering expanding the capacity of its facilities in Brazil in partnership with Foxconn to avoid US import tariffs on iPhones. Although the US government has announced some exclusions to Trump’s new tariffs, a recent White House document suggested that China could be hit with up to 245% tariffs by the US. Unsurprisingly, China has also increased tariffs on US products.

Products from Brazil, on the other hand, have only been hit by a 10% tariff, so Apple believes it can import iPhones from Brazil rather than China. Apple reportedly flew multiple planes with iPhones and other products from India and China before the tariffs took effect.