Apple Hikes Mac, iPad Prices Globally As Memory Chip Shortage Bites
Apple Inc on Thursday raised prices across several Mac and iPad models worldwide, taking the rare step of passing on sharply higher component costs as an unprecedented shortage of memory chips and storage squeezes the electronics industry.The price increases affect products including the MacBook Neo, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Air and iPad Pro, according to changes posted on Apple Inc’s online store. The starting price of the MacBook Neo has climbed to USD 699 from USD 599, while the MacBook Air now begins at USD 1,299, up from USD 1,099.
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro has moved to USD 1,999 from USD 1,699, and the 11-inch iPad Pro is now priced at USD 1,199, up from USD 999. The iPad Air, positioned as a mid-tier tablet, now starts at USD 749, compared with USD 599 previously. Apple did not announce any price changes for the iPhone.
An Apple spokesperson said the surge in prices reflects an “extraordinary” increase in demand for memory and storage, driven by the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence data centres. The company said it had absorbed rising costs for as long as possible but could no longer avoid raising prices on some products.
Apple executives had earlier warned that the shortages would intensify. Speaking during the company’s April quarterly results call, Chief Executive Tim Cook said memory constraints were already disrupting Mac supplies and extending delivery times, adding the situation was unlikely to ease for several months.
The shortages have also complicated Apple’s product roadmap, delaying some launches such as an updated Mac Studio. The challenge will now fall to John Ternus, who is set to succeed Cook as CEO on 1st September.
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