The tech giant increases entry-level laptop prices by $100 after absorbing component cost spikes driven by AI demand.
Apple increased prices for select MacBook and iPad models on Thursday, citing unprecedented rises in memory and storage chip costs. The move follows months of shielding customers from component price surges tied to AI datacenter expansion, which has diverted supply from consumer electronics makers.
The MacBook Air with 512GB storage now starts at $1,299, up from $1,099, while the MacBook Pro with 1TB storage rises to $1,999 from $1,699. The entry-level Neo laptop jumps to $699 from $599, targeting budget-conscious buyers previously considering Windows or Chromebook alternatives.
Memory manufacturers like Micron have prioritized AI chipmakers such as Nvidia, squeezing supply for consumer device producers. Apple stated it could no longer absorb the costs without passing them to customers, marking a rare price adjustment outside its flagship iPhone lineup.