All the Apple products avoiding the price hike (for now)

At a glance:

• iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods prices stay flat, but Mac and iPad lines saw hikes up to $1,300.
• Apple raised the MacBook Neo by $100 and the M3 Ultra Mac Studio to $1,300.
• TechInsights predicts the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could see a $270 bump, and Apple Watch Series 12/Ultra 4 may also rise.

Apple’s pricing strategy amid chip shortages

Apple’s latest price changes are a direct response to the ongoing global memory shortage. CEO Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal that “price increases are unavoidable.” This admission explains why Apple has had to raise prices on several product lines, from the M3 Ultra Mac Studio to the budget‑friendly MacBook Neo.

Products that kept their prices

The iPhone lineup, from the iPhone 16 to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, remains unchanged, with the entry‑level iPhone 17 e still priced at $599. Apple Watch models—including the Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3, and the two Hermès‑branded versions (Hermès SE 3 and Hermès Ultra 3)—also retain their current prices, ranging from $249 for the SE 3 to $1,399 for the Hermès Ultra 3. The entire AirPods lineup, including AirPods 4 at $129, has avoided any price increase, as have accessories such as the Studio Display, AirTags, and Apple’s desktop peripherals.

Why some lines were raised

Apple refreshed its MacBook and iPad lineups earlier this year with new models such as the MacBook Neo, MacBook Air with M5, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max, and the iPad Air with M4. These newer devices require more memory, which is scarce, forcing Apple to bump prices. The M3 Ultra Mac Studio, for example, now costs $1,300, and the MacBook Neo saw a $100 hike.

Anticipating next wave of hikes

Apple is expected to unveil next‑gen iPhones and Apple Watches at its annual fall hardware event. TechInsights estimates that the iPhone 18 Pro could see a price increase of up to $270 to preserve margins. Rumors about new sensors and features for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could also push its price higher.

Small accessories likely to stay cheap

Smaller items such as AirPods, AirTags, and the Apple Pencil require less memory and are less affected by the chip shortage, which is why they have remained at their original prices. However, Cook warned that “we’ve been trying to shield our customers from the increases, but the situation has become unsustainable,” hinting that even these products could face future hikes if the shortage persists.