Apple has started charging more for some of its products, and AI is one of the big reasons why.The increases apply to select iPads and MacBooks, along with HomePod speakers and Apple TV devices.
Apple's own store pages now show higher prices on several models than earlier launch materials listed.The iPhone was not included in this round, but analysts warn that may not last.Apple says it can no longer fully shield customers from soaring memory and storage chip costs tied to AI data center demand.
The pressure comes from what some in the tech industry are calling RAMageddon.AI data centers need huge amounts of DRAM and high-bandwidth memory to train and run advanced models.
Those are the same basic chip categories that help power phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles and other devices sitting in your home right now.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportAPPLE TAPS GOOGLE GEMINI TO POWER APPLE INTELLIGENCEAI demand is putting new pressure on memory chips, and Apple has now started charging more for some devices.(Apple)AI gets a lot of attention for chatbots, image tools and smart assistants.
Behind the scenes, though, it runs on massive hardware systems.Those systems need powerful processors.
They also need a lot of memory.That is where the pressure builds.
High-bandwidth memory, often called HBM, helps AI chips move huge amounts of data quickly.Data centers want more of it, and chipmakers are chasing that demand because AI hardware can bring in big money.At the same time, everyday tech still needs regular DRAM and NAND storage.
Phones use memory to keep apps running smoothly.Macs need it for multitasking.
Apple's iPad, Apple Watch and Vision Pro rely on memory and storage too.In other words, AI companies and consumer gadget makers are now competing for parts from the same broader supply chain.
When supply gets tight, prices usually move one way.Apple has enormous buying power.That usually helps the company secure parts at better prices.
But even Apple has limi...