Apple hikes AppleCare+ prices as memory shortage impacts services
Chip shortage wave now reaches warranty subscriptions
1AppleCare+ prices increased
Apple raised monthly AppleCare+ subscription fees by 50 cents for Macs and iPads. Annual plans saw a $5 increase. These changes only apply to new signups, with existing subscribers maintaining their current rates, reflecting the company's approach to gradual price adjustments.
2From hardware to services
This move follows recent price hikes on iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro devices. CEO Tim Cook had warned in June that increases were 'unavoidable' due to memory chip shortages. Expected iPhone price adjustments in September will extend this trend to Apple's largest revenue stream.
3New pricing structure
The monthly plan for 13-inch MacBook Air increased from approximately $7.50 to $8, while the annual plan rose from $75 to $80. DRAM cost pressures previously led to discontinuation of the $599 Mac Mini earlier this year when its price point became unsustainable.
4Service coverage remains unchanged
AppleCare+ continues covering technical support, accidental damage repairs, and battery replacements. The separate AppleCare One service ($20/month for three devices) remains unaffected by these changes, maintaining differentiated protection options for consumers.
5AI-driven supply crunch
AI data center construction has consumed most global memory production capacity, causing DRAM prices to quadruple over three quarters according to Counterpoint Research. Major chipmakers like Samsung and Micron have prioritized high-bandwidth memory for AI servers over consumer electronics components.
6Industry-wide implications
When even Apple's $100 billion services division begins passing component cost increases to warranty subscriptions, it signals the memory shortage has permeated all business layers. This modest increase reflects broader supply chain challenges reshaping tech industry economics.
Original article: The Next Web — Apple, AppleCare+ fiyatlarını artırdı