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Apple raises iPad and MacBook prices, citing unprecedented memory chip cost surge driven by AI datacenter demand.

Yahoo Finance AI4h ago5 min read
Apple raises iPad and MacBook prices, citing unprecedented memory chip cost surge driven by AI datacenter demand.

Key takeaway

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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3 Key Points

  • What happened

    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%.

FAQ

Which Apple products are getting price increases and by how much?
MacBook Air with 512 gigabytes is going up $200, and MacBook Pro with 1 terabyte will cost $300 more. Apple also raised prices for both versions of its HomePod smart speaker and Apple TV set-top box. iPhone prices are not yet affected but are expected to increase.
Why are chip costs rising so much?
Memory makers such as Micron have prioritized orders from AI chipmakers like Nvidia, who are racing to increase capacity for datacenter construction. This has left little supply for consumer electronics makers, forcing them to raise prices.
How much are memory prices increasing?
Dynamic random access memory prices rose as much as 98% in the first quarter of 2026 and are set to jump by another 58% to 63% in the current quarter, according to TrendForce.

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