Apple bumps up the prices of its new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro as global memory shortage continues
Business Insider
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Apple has increased the prices of its new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, reflecting challenges tied to the global memory shortage. The 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at $1,099 (up $100), while the 15-inch model is priced at $1,299 (also up $100). Similarly, the M5 Pro MacBook Pro sees a $200 increase for its 14-inch variant, starting at $2,199, and the 16-inch model jumps by $200 to $2,699. The M5 Max MacBook Pro begins at $3,599 (up $400). These hikes come despite Apple keeping its budget iPhone 17e and iPad Air prices unchanged.
The price increases align with broader industry trends as the global memory shortage persists, driven by heightened demand from artificial intelligence advancements and supply chain disruptions. While Apple hasn’t explicitly linked the price rises to memory costs, CEO Tim Cook noted during an earnings call that memory prices were expected to rise. This challenge is also affecting other retailers like Best Buy, which reported increased costs for memory components and efforts to manage inventory.
Despite the higher starting prices, the new MacBooks offer enhanced features. The MacBook Air boasts improved performance, a 12-megapixel camera, up to 18 hours of battery life, and double the storage capacity compared to previous models. The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips powering the MacBook Pro provide faster AI processing and gaming capabilities, with starting storage doubled for these models. Additionally, Apple introduced updated Studio Display and Studio Display XDR models with 5K Retina displays.
These updates underscore Apple’s commitment to innovation in its Mac lineup, even as it navigates supply chain challenges. For business readers, this highlights how global supply issues can influence pricing strategies and product launches in the tech industry. The price hikes also reflect broader trends in consumer electronics, where companies are balancing cost increases with demand for higher-performance devices.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/3/2026