Apple Raises MacBook and iPad Prices: Few Models Cost Up to Rs 70,000 More

Apple has increased prices of its MacBooks, iPads and select accessories across global markets from June 25, 2026, following a sharp rise in memory chip prices driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Although the price revision has been implemented worldwide, the extent of the increase varies significantly across regions, with India recording the highest percentage hikes on several flagship products.

The revision comes amid a global surge in DRAM prices, with memory costs increasing sharply as AI data centre investments continue to boost demand for high-performance memory chips.

AI Memory Boom Drives Price Increase

According to industry estimates, DRAM prices rose by as much as 98 per cent during the first quarter of 2026 and are expected to increase by another 58 per cent to 63 per cent in the current quarter. Apple stated that it had absorbed rising component costs for several months before revising prices.

The increase currently impacts MacBooks, iPads and Mac accessories, while iPhone prices remain unchanged.

MacBook Air: India Records Highest Price Increase

The MacBook Air M5 (13-inch) witnessed the sharpest increase among the major Asian markets.

India's 25 per cent increase is substantially higher than the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore.

MacBook Pro: India's Hike More Than Double the US
The pricing difference becomes more pronounced in the MacBook Pro lineup.

India's Rs 70,000 increase is equivalent to approximately USD 840, nearly three times the USD 300 increase seen in the United States.

iPad Prices Also Rise Sharply
The same trend is visible across Apple's tablet portfolio.

iPad Air

iPad Pro

Apple TV Sees Sharpest Increase

Among all products compared, Apple TV recorded the largest increase in India.

Why Asian Market Continues to Pay More

India remains one of Apple's most expensive markets primarily because MacBooks and iPads continue to be imported. Imported Apple devices attract 15 per cent import duty along with 3 per cent GST, significantly increasing retail prices.

By comparison, Hong Kong imposes no import duty on electronics, Singapore levies 9 per cent GST, while prices in the United States are generally quoted before state-level sales Taxes. As a result, even identical global price revisions translate into much larger increases for Indian consumers.

Although Apple has expanded iPhone manufacturing in India through Tata Electronics, local production of Macs and iPads remains limited, preventing meaningful reductions in import-related costs.

Impact on Technology Stocks

The sharp rise in memory prices also weighed on technology stocks across Asia. Semiconductor manufacturers, particularly memory chip producers, witnessed selling pressure as investors assessed the impact of rising DRAM costs on global electronics demand and corporate profitability.

Conclusion

Apple's latest pricing revision highlights the growing disparity in product pricing across Asia. While consumers worldwide are paying more following the AI-driven memory shortage, Indian buyers have witnessed the steepest increases across most MacBook and iPad models. Until local manufacturing expands beyond smartphones into Macs and iPads, India is likely to remain among Apple's costliest markets in Asia.
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What are your thoughts on Apple's pricing differences across Asian markets? Share your views in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.