# Apple hikes AppleCare+ prices as memory shortage impacts services Chip shortage wave now reaches warranty subscriptions - **Source:** [The Next Web](https://brifing.si/source/afe24b20-b275-4c19-b9a6-8bb3c8babae7) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/88bd84c7-221d-4d4f-9d9f-e4219c0f2c67 ## AppleCare+ 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. ## From 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. ## New 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. ## Service 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. ## AI-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. ## Industry-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. ## Sources covering this story - https://thenextweb.com/news/apple-applecare-plus-price-increase-memory-shortage — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._