Synopsis : Apple has significantly increased the prices of several MacBook and iPad models globally, including in India, citing soaring semiconductor, memory, and storage costs driven by the rapid expansion of AI data centres.
The price hikes, ranging from 20% to 42%, mark one of Apple's biggest pricing revisions in recent years, while the company has indicated that additional product categories could also see price increases in the future.
Apple Announces Major Price Hike for Macs and iPads
Apple has raised the prices of multiple MacBook and iPad models across several markets, including India, as the technology giant grapples with rising semiconductor component costs and unprecedented demand for memory and storage driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure.
According to the latest pricing on Apple's India website, the company's M5-powered MacBook Pro lineup has witnessed a substantial increase of nearly 20 percent.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip now starts at ₹2,99,900, compared to its original launch price of ₹2,49,900, representing a significant jump for premium laptop buyers.
iPad Air Sees the Biggest Price Increase
Apple's latest pricing revision has impacted the iPad lineup even more sharply.
The 13-inch iPad Air now starts at ₹1,19,900, compared to its launch price of ₹84,900, reflecting an increase of approximately 41.22 percent—one of the steepest price hikes in the product's history.
Other products affected by the revisions include:
- MacBook Air
- MacBook Pro
- iPad Air
- iPad Pro Wi-Fi models
AI Boom Behind Rising Component Costs
Industry experts attribute the pricing changes to soaring semiconductor costs caused by the global expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
According to Counterpoint Research Co-founder and Vice President Neil Shah, prices of key components—including processors, memory chips, and storage—have surged dramatically as AI data centres continue to expand worldwide.
Apple acknowledged the unprecedented increase in component costs, stating that it had absorbed higher manufacturing expenses for as long as possible before deciding to pass part of the burden on to consumers.
The company noted that demand for memory and storage has reached levels never witnessed before, forcing a reassessment of pricing across several product categories.
More Apple Products Could Become Costlier
Although Apple has not increased prices for the iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods, the company indicated that additional price revisions may be introduced in the future if component costs continue to rise.
Market analysts believe Apple's premium iPhone models are the most likely candidates for future price increases, particularly as upcoming flagship devices are expected to feature more advanced processors, AI capabilities, and upgraded camera systems.
Reports suggest Apple is preparing to launch a new smartphone lineup in September, including a foldable iPhone expected to be priced above $2,000, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Apple Shares Fall After Price Announcement
Investor sentiment turned negative following the announcement.
Apple's shares dropped as much as 6.2 percent to $274.86, marking the company's steepest intraday decline since April 2025.
During its recent quarterly earnings call, Apple executives warned that global memory shortages are expected to persist for several more months, affecting product availability and manufacturing costs.
CEO Tim Cook previously acknowledged that supply chain constraints have already impacted Mac production and deliveries, while processor shortages have also affected iPhone manufacturing.
Market Outlook
The latest price hikes underline the growing impact of the global AI revolution on consumer electronics. As demand for advanced semiconductors continues to surge, technology companies are facing higher production costs that may increasingly be passed on to customers.
While Apple has managed to delay major pricing revisions until now, industry analysts expect premium consumer electronics to become more expensive if semiconductor shortages and AI infrastructure investments continue at their current pace.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or purchasing advice. Product prices and market conditions may change over time, and readers should verify the latest information before making any purchase or investment decisions.
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