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Apple hikes prices on Macs, iPads amid chip shortage

MacRumors •
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Apple lifted prices on 14 devices, affecting every Mac, all iPad models, Apple TV, HomePod, HomePod mini and Vision Pro. Increments range from $30 for the mini speaker to $1,300 for a Mac Studio configuration. iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods remain unchanged for now, leaving the bulk of consumer hardware with higher price tags.

Apple blamed a memory chip shortage driven by AI data‑center construction, which has sent RAM and SSD prices soaring. The company said it had insulated customers until now, but the supply‑demand imbalance forced the hike. CEO Tim Cook previously called the increases “unavoidable,” signaling that further adjustments may follow as the shortage persists through 2027.

The price moves place Apple alongside rivals like Microsoft, Samsung and Dell, all wrestling with the same component crunch. Consumers face steeper entry points for Macs and iPads, while the unchanged iPhone line may shift buying patterns toward older models. Apple’s statement promises ongoing work to mitigate costs, but the current spike sets a new baseline for premium hardware.

Analysts note that Micron projects the shortage lasting until 2027, meaning elevated component costs could endure for more than a year. If Apple cannot secure cheaper supplies, future product cycles may see repeated hikes, pressuring margins and prompting customers to delay upgrades. The current adjustments therefore serve as both a symptom and a warning for the broader tech market.