Apple MacBook, Apple iPad Prices Hiked Amid Memory Shortage

Apple has officially increased the retail prices for several of its iPad and MacBook models, citing the sustained surge in memory and storage component costs. The tech giant indicated that it can no longer shield consumers from the rising expenses driven by the rapid expansion of AI-focused data centres, which have significantly tightened the supply of essential hardware components.

Apple Price Hike: Impact on Hardware Rates

The price adjustments are comprehensive across the company’s mobile and laptop lineups. The entry-level MacBook Neo has seen its starting price climb from $599 to $699. Other notable increases include the MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, which has risen by USD 200 to USD 1,299, and the MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, which is now priced at USD 1,999. Additionally, the iPad Air with 128GB of storage has increased from USD 599 to USD 749. iPhone Price Hike: Apple CEO Tim Cook Confirms iPhones To Get Costlier; Mentions Reasons.

As per a report by Reuters, these hikes represent a significant shift for Apple, a company typically celebrated for its expert supply chain management. Apple stated that while it has absorbed component price surges until now, the current market reality has made price increases unavoidable to maintain product profitability.

AI-Driven Memory Supply Crisis at Apple

The industry-wide component shortage, colloquially referred to as "RAMageddon," is primarily attributed to the massive demand from the artificial intelligence sector. Memory suppliers are prioritising high-value orders for AI chipmakers like Nvidia, which has restricted supply for consumer electronics manufacturers. TrendForce data suggests that DRAM prices jumped by 98% in the first quarter of 2026 and are projected to rise by another 58% to 63% this quarter. Apple Products To Get Costlier? CEO Tim Cook Warns of Impending Price Hikes Amid Global Memory, Storage Chip Shortage Driven by AI Demand.

Apple Consumer Demand

These inflationary pressures arrive at a difficult time for the broader electronics market. Research firm IDC has forecasted a 14% annual contraction in the smartphone market and an 11.3% decline in global PC shipments for 2026. By raising the price of the MacBook Neo, Apple has also eliminated a key $100 pricing advantage it previously held over competing devices like the Dell XPS 13, potentially altering its competitive standing in the entry-level laptop segment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).