Apple hikes Mac and iPad prices amid AI memory chip shortage

Apple announced price increases for a wide range of its hardware, including Mac computers, iPads, Apple TV, HomePod, and Vision Pro, citing an unprecedented surge in demand for memory and storage driven by AI data centers. Prices rose by $100‑$300 on most items – for example, the MacBook Neo now starts at $699 (up $100), the MacBook Air at $1,299 (up $200), the MacBook Pro at $1,999 (up $300), and the iPad Pro at $1,199 (up $200). Apple said the “rapid expansion of AI data centers” has created an extraordinary component‑cost spike, forcing the company to begin passing the expense onto consumers. The announcement sent Apple’s shares down about 4‑5 % in after‑hours trading. Other PC makers such as Dell, Lenovo, HP, and Acer reported similar price adjustments, also blaming the AI‑driven memory crunch. Memory suppliers Micron, Samsung and SK Hynix confirmed that demand for DRAM and NAND for AI workloads will keep prices elevated through 2027. Apple did not raise prices for iPhone, Apple Watch or AirPods, indicating those products remain insulated for now.