Apple raised prices on almost every Mac and iPad model, leaving only the iPhone and Apple Watch untouched. The surge stems from an AI‑driven memory shortage, as hyperscale data centers snap up DDR5 chips and drive component costs skyward. Outgoing CEO Tim Cook told the Wall Street Journal the hikes were unavoidable, citing unsustainable supply pressure.

Industry analysts note that a 32 GB DDR5 kit has jumped from under $90 to nearly $400 in a year, a price trajectory that filters through Apple’s higher‑end, solder‑on‑die memory. Micron’s plan to open new U.S. fabs by 2030 could ease the squeeze, but additional capacity won’t arrive for several years. Apple is also lobbying to buy from currently blacklisted Chinese suppliers, hoping to diversify its source base.

Consumers facing a 30-50% quarter‑over‑quarter increase through late 2026 should consider buying now; Amazon still lists older inventory at discounts up to $500 below Apple’s new list prices. The price shock underscores how AI infrastructure demand can ripple through the broader hardware market, tightening budgets for everyday users.