Apple has increased the prices of several MacBooks, iPads and other devices, saying soaring memory and storage chip costs driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom have made the move unavoidable.
The price revision affects multiple markets, including India, where some Apple products have become significantly more expensive. However, the company has not increased iPhone prices for now, although industry experts believe they could also rise later this year.
Apple said the sharp increase in the cost of memory components is the main reason behind the hike. As AI companies invest billions of dollars in building data centres, chipmakers are prioritising high-end AI hardware, reducing the supply of memory chips used in consumer electronics. This has pushed up prices across the industry.
The company had absorbed much of the additional cost over the past year, but said it was no longer sustainable. Several MacBook, iPad, HomePod and Apple TV models now carry higher price tags, with Indian customers among those seeing some of the steepest increases.
Industry analysts say Apple is unlikely to be the only company raising prices. Other laptop and smartphone manufacturers could follow if memory shortages continue, as demand for AI infrastructure keeps growing.
The development highlights how the AI revolution is beginning to affect everyday consumers. While artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities, it is also increasing competition for key components, making devices such as laptops and tablets more expensive.
For buyers planning to upgrade their devices, the latest hike means spending more than expected. Analysts advise consumers to compare configurations carefully and look for festive offers or exchange deals, as further price increases cannot be ruled out if component costs remain elevated.
Apple’s decision signals a broader shift in the technology industry, where the rapid expansion of AI is reshaping supply chains and influencing the prices consumers pay for everyday gadgets.