How much are Apple and Microsoft raising prices?

The article reports that Apple and Microsoft each said they were hiking prices on core products, including iPads, certain MacBook models, and Xbox consoles, but does not specify exact price increases for these products. IDC analyst Nabila Popal said Apple's price hikes were higher than expected, and noted that iPhone Pro and Pro Max models may increase as much as $200.

Why are chip manufacturers prioritizing AI chips over consumer device chips?

Hyperscalers are buying memory chips at premium prices to build thousands of data centers for AI services. High bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in data centers are more profitable for manufacturers to produce than standard memory chips used in smartphones and PCs, according to IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo.

When will chip prices and gadget prices return to normal?

Tech analysts and economists predict the chip shortage will persist at least through 2027 and perhaps later, citing the time required to expand or build new semiconductor fabrication plants, which can cost $10 billion（約1.6兆円） and take up to five years to complete.

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AI chip demand sends consumer electronics prices soaring

Yahoo Finance AI18h ago4 min read

Key takeaway

Apple, Microsoft, and other consumer electronics makers are raising prices on core products this week because hyperscalers buying chips for AI data centers have captured the majority of memory chip supply at premium prices. The shortage is forecast to last at least through 2027, pushing PC and smartphone prices up 17% and 13% respectively this year, marking an end to the decades-long trend of falling gadget costs.

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3 Key Points

What happened
Apple and Microsoft raised prices on core products including iPads, MacBook models, and Xbox consoles this week, as surging demand from hyperscalers (large cloud providers) for AI-focused chips has reduced supply for consumer devices. Memory chip manufacturers Micron Technology, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix are now prioritizing high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for data centers over standard memory chips for smartphones and PCs. Micron abandoned consumer chip production altogether last year.
Why it matters
For decades, consumer electronics prices have fallen steadily. The current chip shortage marks a reversal—prices for computer software and accessories have surged by more than 14% over the last year, and analysts forecast PC and smartphone prices could jump 17% and 13%, respectively, this year from their 2025 levels. IDC analyst Nabila Popal expects iPhone Pro and Pro Max prices may rise as much as $200. Consumers may hold onto devices longer, denting smartphone sales.
What to watch
Tech analysts predict the chip shortage will persist at least through 2027 and perhaps later, as building new semiconductor fabrication facilities can cost $10 billion（約1.6兆円） and take up to five years to complete. Wedbush Securities estimates there are 15 times as many memory chip orders from tech companies as available chips. Every single memory chip bought now costs 100% to 200% more than six or 12 months ago.

FAQ

How much are Apple and Microsoft raising prices?: The article reports that Apple and Microsoft each said they were hiking prices on core products, including iPads, certain MacBook models, and Xbox consoles, but does not specify exact price increases for these products. IDC analyst Nabila Popal said Apple's price hikes were higher than expected, and noted that iPhone Pro and Pro Max models may increase as much as $200.
Why are chip manufacturers prioritizing AI chips over consumer device chips?: Hyperscalers are buying memory chips at premium prices to build thousands of data centers for AI services. High bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in data centers are more profitable for manufacturers to produce than standard memory chips used in smartphones and PCs, according to IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo.
When will chip prices and gadget prices return to normal?: Tech analysts and economists predict the chip shortage will persist at least through 2027 and perhaps later, citing the time required to expand or build new semiconductor fabrication plants, which can cost $10 billion（約1.6兆円） and take up to five years to complete.

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