Apple raises prices for MacBooks and iPads, as costs soar over AI

Apple has announced price increases for its MacBooks and iPads, attributing the hikes to rising memory and storage costs driven by the surge in artificial intelligence. This move marks the first tangible change following CEO Tim Cook's warnings about escalating expenses. The price rises, which vary from $30 to $300, led to a significant drop in Apple's stock, plummeting by over 4.7% in early trading. These changes are significant as they reflect the impact of AI on tech supply chains and could influence consumer purchasing decisions and the broader market's perception of Apple's pricing strategy.