Australians to pay at least 20% more for iPads and Macbooks after Apple hikes prices citing AI

Australians woke up on Friday to more expensive Macbooks and iPads after Apple hiked prices worldwide, blaming an AI-driven cost-crunch for computer parts. The iPhone range was unaffected but experts predict Apple will raise prices for its flagship product later this year. Microsoft also lifted its Xbox prices overnight amid a wave of increases for phones and devices. Apple’s MacBook Air with a 13-inch display now starts at $2,099, up from $1,799, on the Australian website, while the MacBook Pro 14-inch starts at $3,199 on Apple’s site. Both were available for the cheaper price from other retailers as of Friday afternoon however. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email There are no longer MacBooks available from Apple for less than $1,000. The smaller MacBook Neo, which arrived in Australia in March at $899, now starts at $1,049 from Apple. The company said at the time the Neo was its “most affordable laptop ever”. Table The iPad starts at $749, from $599, while the mini model starts at $949, from $799, the Air at $1,249, from $999, and the pro starts at $1,999, from $1,699. The iMac desktop now starts at $2,399 and the Mac Studio at $4,299. Australia retailers have yet to pass on the price increase. Officeworks’ prices were unchanged on Friday morning. “We regularly review our pricing to ensure we continue delivering great value, and we’re currently working through Apple’s recent pricing changes,” an Officeworks spokesperson said. …