
Apple raised prices on iPads, MacBooks, HomePods, and Apple TV sets on Thursday, blaming unprecedented memory chip cost increases driven by AI companies' datacenter buildout. Memory makers have prioritized supplying AI chipmakers over consumer electronics firms, squeezing supply and forcing price increases across the industry. Even Apple's strong supplier relationships could not fully protect customers, and analysts expect iPhone prices to rise as well.
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Apple announced price increases on Thursday for iPad and MacBook models, along with HomePod and Apple TV. A MacBook Air with 512 gigabytes is going up $200, while a MacBook Pro with 1 terabyte will cost $300 more. The company stated it can no longer absorb soaring memory and storage chip costs.
Why it matters
Memory makers such as Micron have prioritized orders from AI chipmakers like Nvidia, leaving little supply for consumer electronics makers. Apple said 'We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly.' Even the world's most valuable consumer electronics company, with superior supplier relationships, cannot fully shield customers from the surge.
What to watch
Dynamic random access memory prices rose as much as 98% in the first quarter of 2026 and are projected to jump another 58% to 63% in the current quarter. Analysts expect iPhone prices to rise next. The smartphone market is estimated to see its biggest-ever annual decline of nearly 14% this year, while the PC market is projected to fall 11.3%.
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