Apple announces price hikes for MacBooks, iPads amid global chip squeeze

Apple has decided to increase prices for some of its MacBooks and iPads due to escalating costs for memory chips, a move that has led to a drop in its stock price. The global chip shortage has made memory components more expensive, forcing Apple to pass these costs onto consumers. This price hike is a strategic response to maintain profitability amidst rising input costs, but it also signals potential challenges for Apple as it navigates the ongoing semiconductor crisis.