AI Chip Crunch Hits Apple Prices

Raleigh News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

Apple’s AI-driven memory chip shortage is hitting consumers hard, with eight Mac and iPad models seeing steep price hikes—some up to 25 percent—as the company finally passes on supply chain costs it’s long absorbed. Tim Cook called the shortage a “hundred-year flood,” blaming AI data centers gobbling up RAM chips, leaving little for consumer devices. With just three firms controlling 90% of global RAM, AI servers are stealing the spotlight, pushing prices higher and delaying relief until at least 2027. Apple’s strategy? Shield entry-level buyers while letting power users pay more. And if the…