Apple Raises Mac and iPad Prices by Up to 25% as AI-Driven Chip Demand Pushes Costs Higher

Apple has increased the prices of its Mac and iPad product lines by as much as 25%, citing a sharp rise in the cost of memory and storage chips as demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to surge worldwide. The move comes just days after Apple CEO Tim Cook warned that escalating component costs could eventually force the tech giant to adjust product pricing.

The price changes became evident on Thursday after Apple temporarily took its online store offline, a move typically associated with major announcements or updates. When the store returned, customers found significantly higher prices across several Mac and iPad models. Mac devices saw price increases ranging from 15% to 20%, while some iPad models recorded hikes of up to 25%, making them considerably more expensive for consumers.

According to Apple, the unprecedented growth of AI data centres has created intense competition for memory and storage components, driving costs to levels the company says it has never experienced before. The company noted that the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure globally has placed enormous pressure on the supply chain, leaving manufacturers with little choice but to pass some of the additional costs on to customers.

Among the affected products, the base MacBook Air now costs $1,299 after a $200 increase, while the MacBook Pro starts at $1,999 following a $300 price adjustment. Apple’s entry-level MacBook Neo also rose by $100 to $699. On the tablet side, the iPad Air increased by $150 to $749, while the premium iPad Pro now starts at $1,199 after a $200 price hike. Interestingly, iPhone prices remain unchanged for now, although Apple has hinted that additional price increases across its product portfolio could be introduced in the future.

Industry analysts say the trend reflects broader challenges facing the global technology sector. Research firm TechInsights reports that prices for DRAM memory and NAND storage chips have quadrupled over the past year due to massive investments in AI-powered data centres. Despite the latest price increases, Apple continues to maintain strong market momentum, having recently secured its position as the world’s leading smartphone vendor in 2025. As AI demand continues to reshape the technology landscape, consumers may need to prepare for higher prices on a wide range of electronic devices in the months ahead.

source: nairametrics