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The global RAM shortage — widely dubbed “RAMageddon” — has finally caught up with Apple in a big way. As of June 25, 2026, Apple raised prices across nearly its entire product lineup, with some configurations jumping by over $1,300.
The Price Hikes at a Glance
| Device | New Price | Old Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Neo | $699 | $599 | +$100 |
| MacBook Air | $1,299 | $1,099 | +$200 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | $1,999 | $1,699 | +$300 |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | $2,999 | $2,499 | +$500 |
| M3 Ultra Mac Studio | $5,299 | $3,999 | +$1,300 |
| iPad | $449 | $349 | +$100 |
| iPad Air | $749 | $599 | +$150 |
| iPad Mini | $599 | $499 | +$100 |
| 11-inch iPad Pro | $1,199 | $999 | +$200 |
| HomePod | $349 | $299 | +$50 |
| Apple TV 4K | $199 | $129 | +$70 |
| Vision Pro | $3,699 | $3,499 | +$200 |
Why Is This Happening?
The culprit is the global memory shortage, driven largely by AI companies buying up massive quantities of RAM and SSDs for their data centers. Memory suppliers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron simply cannot keep up with demand.
Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at the coming price increases in a Wall Street Journal interview on June 17th, saying Apple had tried to “shield” customers from price hikes but “the situation has become unsustainable.”
It is not just Apple either. We have already seen price increases from Microsoft Surface devices, Xbox Series X/S consoles, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Meta Quest 3, Framework laptops, and even the Raspberry Pi 5.
What This Means for PC Builders
If you are building a gaming PC or upgrading your rig, expect to pay significantly more for DDR5 RAM and NVMe SSDs in 2026. The same AI-driven demand hitting Apple is squeezing the entire PC component market.
Our advice: If you have been waiting to pull the trigger on a RAM upgrade or a new SSD, do not wait. Prices are not coming down anytime soon — analysts predict the shortage could last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will RAM prices go down in 2027?
Unlikely. Memory suppliers are trying to increase DRAM production, but AI demand keeps growing. Most analysts expect the shortage to linger through at least 2027-2028.
Should I buy a Mac now or wait?
Prices just went up, and there is no sign they will come down soon. If you need a new machine, buy now — the longer you wait, the more you may pay.
Does this affect DIY PC building too?
Absolutely. DDR5 RAM prices have tripled or quadrupled depending on the module. If you are planning a new build, lock in your components as soon as you find a fair price.
Are there any deals to be found?
Yes — check Amazon for clearance on previous-gen components before they sell out. We are tracking the best deals on DDR5 RAM and SSDs.
Final Verdict
This is the most aggressive price hike Apple has ever rolled out, and it is a direct result of the AI industry’s insatiable hunger for memory. For PC enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike, RAMageddon is not a future problem — it is here now.
Buy it if: You need a new device and cannot wait. Prices are unlikely to drop.
Skip it if: Your current setup still works fine. The upgrade cost has never been higher.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.