A sharp rise in prices for RAM and flash memory chips is putting more visible pressure on the electronics market. Some smartphone makers have already raised prices on their devices, while Apple and Samsung have tried to soften the blow using their own resources. But it looks like keeping the same price tags forever will not be possible.
According to The Wall Street Journal, citing an exclusive interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook, the company is considering price increases for some of its products. Cook did not specify when the new prices could take effect or which devices would be affected first.
According to the report, buyers of Mac computers and iPad tablets may feel the increase before others. These categories are expected to be among the first products Apple reviews for pricing.
The report also says the future iPhone 18 Pro is likely to cost more than the current iPhone 17 Pro. The reason is the same: continued price growth for memory and other key components that are making modern devices more expensive to produce.
Against the backdrop of chip shortages and rising component costs, manufacturers are finding it harder to hold familiar prices. If parts keep getting more expensive, Apple, like other companies in the industry, may pass part of the extra cost on to buyers.