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Apple raises entry‑level MacBook and iPad prices by $100‑$500 as RAM and SSD costs surge, signaling broader pricing pressure for the tech giant.
Apple increased the starting price of its MacBook Neo to $699 (up $100) and lifted the iPad Air to $749 (up $150), marking the first broad price hike across its consumer lineup in response to a prolonged memory‑and‑storage shortage [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| MacBook Neo price | $699 (was $599) |
| iPad Air price | $749 (was $599) |
| 14‑inch MacBook Pro price | $1,999 (was $1,699) |
| 16‑inch MacBook Pro price | $2,999 (was $2,499) |
Apple’s supply chain has been hit by a surge in DRAM and SSD demand from AI data centers, which has pushed component costs up sharply over the past several months. Memory suppliers such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron are struggling to keep pace, and analysts expect the shortage to linger for years. Apple has already begun trimming configurations—dropping the 512 GB‑RAM Mac Studio in March and eliminating the $599 Mac Mini option—before moving to price adjustments [1].
The price increases span the entire Mac and iPad families, with entry‑level models now $200‑$500 more expensive than a year ago. By contrast, flagship iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch prices remain unchanged, underscoring that the pressure is concentrated on devices that rely heavily on high‑capacity RAM and storage. Competitors are feeling similar strain: Microsoft’s Surface line, Xbox consoles, Nintendo Switch, and even the Raspberry Pi have all seen price bumps, suggesting a broader industry impact [1].
Apple’s new pricing puts the 14‑inch MacBook Pro at $1,999, still $300 below comparable Windows ultrabooks that bundle similar specs, but the gap has narrowed. The iPad Air’s $749 tag now exceeds many Android tablets that offer comparable screen sizes and storage, potentially nudging price‑sensitive buyers toward alternatives. Meanwhile, Apple’s M4 Max Mac Studio jumps to $2,499, a $500 increase that narrows its premium edge over high‑end PC workstations.
Apple’s price hikes highlight how AI‑driven demand for memory is reshaping hardware economics, forcing even premium brands to pass cost pressures onto consumers and raising questions about the durability of Apple’s historically stable pricing model.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Jun 25, 2026 · How we report
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Price increases were applied to the base models of MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, iPad Pro, HomePods, and Apple TV 4K, according to CNET.
Apple cited a surge in demand for memory and storage components, driven by AI data center growth, as the reason for the price hikes, per CNET.
No, the recent price adjustments exclude iPhones, as reported by CNET.
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