Apple has increased prices on its MacBook and iPad ranges by nearly 20%, citing soaring memory and storage chip costs driven by AI demand. The timing, just days before Australia's June 30 end-of-financial-year (EOFY) tax deadline, has impacted many small business buyers aiming to upgrade tech before claiming expenses.
- Apple cites AI-driven chip cost increases for price rise.
- Some Australian retailers still offer pre-increase MacBook stock.
- EOFY shoppers can save by comparing prices and considering refurbished devices.
What happened
Apple recently raised prices on its MacBook and iPad lines by up to 20%, a move triggered by soaring costs for memory and storage chips fueled by the AI boom. This followed earlier price rises in March for new models featuring upgraded specifications. The new pricing structure caught many consumers and small businesses just days before the June 30 EOFY deadline, a critical period for technology purchases intended for tax deductions.
Retailers such as Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, and Harvey Norman typically hold inventory bought before these price changes and have not yet adjusted all of their prices accordingly. As a result, these stores sometimes still sell the older stock at previous prices, offering a temporary price advantage for buyers looking for deals on Apple products, including MacBooks.
Why it matters
The steep increase in Apple’s prices directly affects Australians looking to upgrade or buy new MacBooks and iPads, especially small businesses timing their purchases around the EOFY tax benefits. The 20% price jump significantly raises the entry cost for popular Apple devices, pushing up the financial threshold for many shoppers.
At the same time, the availability of older inventory at lower prices presents a brief window for savvy buyers to take advantage of substantial savings. This dynamic underscores the importance of price comparison and timing purchases around inventory cycles, particularly during busy tax-period shopping. It also highlights the growing impact of global supply chain pressures, like the AI-driven chip demand, on consumer electronics pricing.
What to watch next
Consumers and businesses should closely monitor retailer stock levels and pricing strategies in the coming weeks, as pre-price-hike inventory diminishes and more sellers adjust their prices upward in line with Apple’s new MSRP. This could further consolidate higher price expectations unless new supply or discounts emerge.
Additionally, alternatives like certified refurbished Apple devices or discounted previous-generation models may offer increasingly attractive options in the face of rising costs for the latest technology. Buyers weighing immediate needs versus long-term value may find the refurbished market a viable avenue to reduce expenditure while maintaining access to Apple products.