Microsoft and Apple raise prices as memory chip costs squeeze consumer electronics margins

Rising memory chip costs force major tech firms to pass expenses to consumers, signaling persistent supply chain pressure in the semiconductor sector.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-06-26 08:51 UTC · 1 min read

Microsoft and Apple have announced simultaneous price increases for their core hardware products, citing surging costs for memory chips as the primary driver.

Microsoft confirmed that Xbox console prices will rise globally starting in August, while Apple disclosed parallel hikes for its Mac and iPad product lines on the same day.

Apple has implemented increases of up to 25% on certain Mac and iPad models, marking a significant escalation in its response to the semiconductor supply crunch.

The coordinated timing underscores the breadth of the cost pressure facing consumer electronics manufacturers.

The price adjustments reflect a severe global shortage of memory chips, which has escalated supply chain constraints for major technology firms.

Apple has implemented increases of up to 25% on certain Mac and iPad models, marking a significant escalation in its response to the semiconductor supply crunch.

Microsoft’s move on Xbox consoles indicates that the cost pressures are not limited to personal computing but extend to gaming hardware as well.