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Apple is the latest to join the list of tech giants that are increasing product prices because of the rising price of components. But while it increased prices Thursday on items like the budget-friendly MacBook Neo (now $699) and iPad (now $449), a few popular Apple products were unaffected -- notably the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Other products that appeared not to see price increases included Apple Displays, the Apple Pencil and other accessories like phone cases and keyboards.
Since Apple cites the RAM shortage for the price hikes, it's surprising that the iPhone and Apple Watch -- both of which are essentially little computers -- still have the same prices we saw yesterday.
Apple could mark up more prices soon
So why is it that two of Apple's flagship devices and accessories, like AirPods, escaped the markup? CNET Editor-at-Large Scott Stein has a thought: "They're waiting to rip that band-aid off in the fall," Stein said.
Historically, Apple has announced new products, like a new iPhone, at an event in September. Stein speculates that we could see a price jump when new devices are released, and other devices won't be exempt over time.
"I don't think a single Apple product is going to survive price increases," Stein said. The sweeping price increases lead Stein to believe that more devices will cost more over time. Especially since most of Apple's devices use chips that are in high demand.
Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Future prices depend on the chips
The future of prices could depend on chips being sourced and availability, Stein said. Apple reportedly has a preliminary chip agreement with Intel amid the chip shortage and high demand with its current supplier, Taiwan Semiconductor. Whether we see price increases on other products in the future will be up to Apple.
For now, there's still time to get a deal on an Apple product, but not for long. Some retailers, like Amazon, still have some of Apple's original prices listed. It's unclear when we'll see the price increases across retailers. However, Amazon has a few Apple devices on sale, like the 11-inch iPad Pro and the iPad mini. But don't wait too long because Amazon's Prime Day sale ends June 26.
