Some Apple products avoid price hike for now
Apple has increased prices on several iPad and Mac models due to ongoing memory shortages, but iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods remain unaffected so far. However, analysts expect price increases for these devices with the fall release of new models.
Apple recently raised prices on several products, including iPad and Mac lineups, citing the global memory chip shortage. For instance, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio saw a price increase of up to $1,300, and the budget MacBook Neo went up by $100. However, certain product categories have been spared for now.
Which products avoided the price hike?
iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods remain at their original prices. All iPhone models from the iPhone 16 to the iPhone 17 Pro Max are unchanged, with the cheapest option being the iPhone 17e at $599. Apple Watch models, including the Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3, and Hermès variants, also retain their prices, starting at $249 for the SE 3 and going up to $1,399 for the Hermès Ultra 3. The entire AirPods lineup, including AirPods 4 at $129, is unaffected. Other products like Studio Display, AirTags, and desktop peripherals have also avoided price changes.
Why did these products escape the increase?
Apple recently refreshed its MacBook and iPad lineups earlier this year with new models like the MacBook Neo, MacBook Air with M5, and iPad Air with M4. However, next-generation iPhones and Apple Watches are expected to be announced this fall at Apple's annual hardware event. According to research firm TechInsights, Apple may need to raise the price of the iPhone 18 Pro by as much as $270 to maintain margins. Rumors also suggest new sensors and features for the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which could contribute to a price increase. Smaller devices like AirPods and AirTags may remain unaffected due to lower memory requirements, but as CEO Tim Cook noted, the chip shortage situation has become unsustainable.
