Apple has announced a broad price increase for its Mac and iPad lineup, including both new and certified refurbished models, while iPhone prices remain unchanged for the time being. This decision, made public today, marks a significant shift in the company's pricing strategy, which had previously maintained stability despite inflationary pressures and rising component costs. The increase affects the entire range of MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, with hikes ranging from 100 to 200 dollars depending on the model.
Refurbished channel also sees price hikes
Beyond new products, Apple has updated prices on its Certified Refurbished online store. The average increases hover between 160 and 180 dollars, making refurbished options less affordable. For instance, a refurbished MacBook Air M3 goes from 849 to 999 dollars, while an iPad Pro M5 jumps from 749 to 899 dollars. This trend may push consumers towards the used market or third-party resellers. Analysts point to memory chip shortages and rising production costs as the main culprits, a topic recently addressed by IBM with its sub-1nm chip technology.
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iPhone excluded from the price hike for now
Despite rumors of a possible increase for iPhones, Apple has decided not to touch the prices of its smartphone line. The iPhone 18 Pro, launched last fall, still starts at 999 dollars, and the iPhone SE 5 at 429 dollars. This choice may be strategic: Apple protects its best-selling product amid economic uncertainty, while Mac and iPad face declining sales and tighter margins. However, as a report notes, component cost is not the only factor; trade policies and currency fluctuations also play a role.
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Implications for the used and refurbished market
With refurbished prices rising, the used market could become more attractive. Platforms like Swappa and Back Market will likely see increased demand. Experts estimate that the average price of a two-year-old used MacBook Pro could rise 15-20%. This dynamic mirrors what happened in the automotive industry with used cars during the pandemic. Moreover, Apple's decision may influence consumer choices, pushing them towards older models or alternative platforms. As previously observed, fluctuations in the tech market have cascading effects across the supply chain.
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Comparison with competitors and future outlook
While Apple raises prices, companies like Dell and Lenovo keep their Windows laptop prices stable. Google has even reduced costs on some Chromebook models. However, Apple banks on ecosystem loyalty. The question is: how long will this strategy last? According to industry analysts, if memory chip shortages persist, the price hike could extend to iPhones by year end. For now, iPhone owners can breathe a sigh of relief. In this context, it is interesting to note how Apple manages its supply chain differently from competitors, showing flexibility that has allowed it to avoid increases on its most popular devices.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/25/apple-raises-mac-and-ipad-prices-spares-iphone-for-now
