"Talk about airplane mode": Apple reportedly flies 5 planes of iPhones to avoid tariffs, netizens react with jokes

Currently, the world is concerned with tariffs, and in an unusual move, the US exported at least five cargo planes of iPhones from China and India to sidestep a 10% tariff. This apparently took place in late March. During this time of year, low levels of product supply are typically experienced, so the country exported Apple products to ensure they last before the elevated tariffs take effect.

This was confirmed by a high-ranking official from India to The Times of India. The official elaborated that both India and China are large manufacturing centers for Apple products.

To prevent price increases in the US, the country ensured to hold reserve stocks of iPhones so that the prices remain constant for a few months.

This comes after an additional 10% tax was imposed on products from nations such as China, Vietnam, and India. From April 9 onwards, Chinese products were subject to a possible hike of as much as 54%, Vietnamese products 46%, and Indian products 26%.

The moment the news concerning the tariffs became viral on the internet, social media went haywire. The people began sharing satirical posts, with others questioning how a company worth $1 million does this.

Some said if this is legal, then why won't other companies follow suit so prices can be stabilized?

Some even commented that the company's tactic sounded as though it were hatched by a random university student.

The "modern solutions to modern problems" perspective made individuals laugh.

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Apple reportedly flies in 5 planes full of iPhones to dodge tariffs, netizens crack jokes

Users were having a blast, making jokes about the situation. Some of them made puns, referring to it as the ultimate Airplane Mode.

Others joked that this billion-dollar corporation's move seemed like something a college-level drug dealer would do—snuck things in without anyone realizing.

Some users even joked that Nintendo should do the same with their next Switch 2.

One user, @senna1, dropped the pun of the year:

"Talk about airplane mode. I’m here all week."

A user @CtrlAltDeals suggested:

"Someone tell Nintendo to do this with Switch 2s"

Another user, @ZafdaOne, hilariously noted:

"Trillion dollar company with the tax planning skills of a college drug dealer."

Some users found it hilarious that Apple was sneaking its own iPhones into US territory. Others even fantasized about Apple parachuting iPads and iPhones onto people's homes, like some sort of action-movie delivery.

A user @DonatelloThaGr8 commented:

"Apples Trafficking their own IPhones is hilarious to me 😂😂😂"

This is how a user imagines Apple will drop its products now.

Users were laughing, saying that we’ve reached a point where we’re now "smuggling" iPhones as a country. Some made puns, calling it Apple’s "AirDrop mode," while others joked that Apple has basically started a "phone cartel" now.

A user dropped a GIF, saying:

"Oh so we're snuggling iPhones now?"

Another user @SinfulMeatStick said:

"Modern problems require modern solutions."

A user @borderbigcat humorously noted:

"They started a phone cartel."

A user @cryptomilltrade reacted with a pun, mentioning:

"Apple AirDrop lol."

While the tariff war is going on between nations, the common person is only concerned about their wallet, their iPhone, or their Nintendo Switch 2.

If they can obtain these items at normal prices, they will not complain. But if the prices begin to break the bank, get ready for a lot of memes, jokes, and side-splitting jabs to come flying.

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