New Delhi: Consumers planning to buy a new MacBook, iPad or Xbox console may have to spend significantly more as rising semiconductor costs continue to impact the global technology industry.
Apple has increased prices for several MacBook and iPad models across multiple markets, citing a sharp rise in the cost of memory and storage chips. Industry experts attribute the surge largely to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, which has triggered unprecedented demand for advanced semiconductors.
AI Demand Reshaping the Chip Market
The growing adoption of AI technologies has led major technology companies to invest heavily in large-scale data centres that require vast quantities of high-performance memory and storage components.
As AI firms race to build more powerful computing systems, global supplies of key chips have come under pressure, resulting in higher procurement costs for device manufacturers.
Apple said the continued increase in component prices has made it difficult to absorb the additional costs, forcing the company to revise prices for certain products.
MacBooks and iPads See Price Increases
Several MacBook and iPad models have reportedly witnessed price increases, with some devices becoming nearly 20 per cent more expensive in select markets.
For instance, the MacBook Pro equipped with 1TB storage has reportedly seen its price rise from USD 1,699 to USD 1,999 in the United States. Similar increases have been observed in other international markets.
While iPhone prices remain unchanged for now, industry observers believe smartphone prices could also come under pressure if chip costs continue their upward trajectory.
Apple has said it is working closely with suppliers to manage supply chain challenges and minimise the impact on consumers.
Xbox Also Announces Fresh Price Hike
Microsoft’s Xbox division has also announced another round of price increases for its gaming consoles, underscoring the broader impact of rising chip costs across the technology sector.
The standard Xbox console will now cost USD 499, up by USD 100, while higher-storage variants are expected to see even steeper increases. Some models have reportedly become up to 40 per cent more expensive compared to last year following multiple price revisions.
The company has similarly pointed to rising semiconductor and component costs as a key reason behind the move.
More Consumer Electronics Could Get Costlier
Analysts believe the trend may not be limited to Apple and Xbox. With demand for advanced memory and storage chips continuing to outpace supply, several PC, tablet and gaming hardware manufacturers could be forced to adjust pricing in the coming months.
Companies may either increase prices for premium products or reduce discounts and promotional offers on entry-level devices to offset rising production costs.
Industry Faces Long-Term Supply Pressure
The AI revolution is creating new opportunities for technology companies, but it is also placing enormous strain on the semiconductor supply chain.
As competition for advanced chips intensifies, consumers worldwide could face higher prices across a wide range of electronics. Unless chip production expands significantly or demand eases, industry experts expect pricing pressures to remain a challenge for both manufacturers and buyers in the near future.