theguardian.com 28 days ago URGENCY: 6/10

Apple Raises Prices Amid Chip Crisis

Apple has announced price hikes for iPads and MacBooks due to skyrocketing chip costs. Discover how this impacts consumers and what’s next for iPhone pricing.

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Apple Raises Prices Amid Chip Crisis

Apple’s Price Increase Explained

In a surprising move, Apple has raised the prices of its iPads and MacBooks, citing the soaring costs of memory and storage chips. The price of the Neo, Apple's entry-level laptop, has jumped from $599 to $699, just months after its launch. This increase reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where memory prices have surged dramatically due to the booming demand from AI data centers.

  • Key price changes include:
  • MacBook Air (512GB): Up by $200
  • MacBook Pro (1TB): Up by $300
  • HomePod and Apple TV: Prices also increased
Despite Apple's strong supply chain, the company acknowledged that it can no longer absorb these costs. Analysts predict that iPhone prices may also rise soon, as the company strategically announces these hikes ahead of the fall launch. With memory prices soaring by as much as 98% in early 2026, consumers are left wondering how these changes will affect their purchasing decisions.