Apple needed a win — and the tariff 'exemption' wasn't it

Apple's fate depends on where Donald Trump finally decides to land on tariffs.

Kevin Lamarque/Getty Images

• Apple looked like it was off the hook for some tariffs.
• Then Donald Trump said there wasn't a tariff "exception" for tech products.
• The iPhone maker still doesn't know if it'll be free of tariffs that could impose high costs on China imports.

It was good while it lasted, but Apple's reprieve was short-lived.

On Friday, the iPhone maker appeared...