Apple Raises Mac and iPad Prices as Soaring DRAM Costs Bite

Overview

• Apple published higher retail prices on Thursday for multiple Mac and iPad models and raised prices for HomePod and Apple TV on its site, signaling it will no longer fully absorb rising memory costs.
• The company listed specific increases including the MacBook Air 512GB to $1,299, the MacBook Pro 1TB to $1,999 and the iPad Air 128GB to $749, and the entry MacBook Neo lost its prior $100 price edge versus rivals.
• DRAM spot prices surged as much as about 98% in Q1 2026 and the market watcher TrendForce projects a further 58–63% rise this quarter, driving the component shock behind Apple’s moves.
• Memory makers have prioritized long-term supply deals with AI-focused customers and chip firms, with Micron disclosing roughly $22 billion in commitments that reduce available memory for consumer-device makers.
• Analysts warn that higher retail prices and constrained component supply will likely dent smartphone and PC unit sales and reshape price competition, so watch vendor margins, new product pricing and quarterly shipment forecasts next.