Apple recently raised the prices of laptops and tablets by about 20%. The reason is the shortage of memory chips. These chips are needed by both ordinary computers and AI data centers.
For example, a 64-gigabyte DDR5 memory module now costs up to one and a half thousand euros. A year ago, it cost three times less. Prices have risen, so wholesalers are not ordering as many new goods. They are trying to use old stock.
Memory chips are found in almost every electronic device. Apple has increased the prices of MacBooks and iPads by nearly a fifth. The reason for this is the data center boom. Major technology companies are building AI infrastructure. Their orders have overwhelmed chip production lines.
Chip production is concentrated in a small number of companies. Approximately 70% of chips go to AI data centers. Production resources are limited.
Building a new factory in the chip industry takes years. Practice shows that the market grows quickly when waiting for investments. Major investments are coming next year.
For consumers, this means a difficult choice. Buyers are more cautious today. They are avoiding unnecessary purchases. Some market decline is currently visible. Time will show how everything develops.