QtrendsApple Raises Mac and iPad Prices Citing AI-Driven Chip Costs
Apple has increased prices on iPads and MacBooks in Australia by at least 20%, and globally across Mac and iPad lines, blaming higher costs of chips and memory driven by the AI boom. The iPhone has been spared from price hikes for now. Reports suggest Prime Day may be the last chance to buy at old prices. Ars Technica confirms memory costs are the key factor behind the increases.
Sources:
Australians to pay at least 20% more for iPads and Macbooks after Apple hikes prices citing AI
(The Guardian)
Apple ratchets up prices, blames the cost of memory
(Ars Technica)
China Daily has unveiled its list of top 10 emerging technologies for 2026, spotlighting key innovations shaping the year ahead. Gizmodo has published recommendations for the best tech to level up summer 2026. Scientific American has also announced how it chose the 2026 Young American Scientists, recognizing rising talent in research.
Amazon Prime Day tech deals are running through day four, with Tom's Hardware reporting this may be the last chance to grab significant savings. Live deals include gaming monitors, gaming mice, and SSDs at discounted prices. Shoppers are urged to act quickly as promotions wind down.
Commodore has dropped the price of its retro phone by $100 ahead of preorders. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch 2 is available at $399 for new customers via Woot. Microsoft has raised Xbox Series console prices for the third time in two years and discontinued the 2TB model, signaling ongoing cost pressures in the gaming hardware market.
ZDNet tested the world's first HDR10 smart glasses, marking a milestone in wearable display technology. BBC journalists tested AI glasses in Paris and reported on accuracy issues with AI-generated captions. As smart glasses shipments surge and hidden recording incidents spark public backlash, China is introducing a voluntary code of conduct aimed at addressing growing privacy concerns.