Tablet line by Apple; iPadOS; first released 2010; broad device family
Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a leasing program with Klarna that lets customers lease iPhones, Watches, Macs, and iPads for 12–36 months rather than own outright. The program replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program and includes soft credit checks, potential trade-ins to reduce payments, and end-of-term options to upgrade, buy, or return. Pricing begins at $17.99/month for iPhone and scales by device and term; some models carry higher monthly costs. The rollout follows RAMageddon-related price hikes and a broader push to keep customers in monthly payment cycles.
Apple has delayed its smart‑glasses launch to June 2027 and pushed availability to late 2027 while it refocuses on Siri‑powered AI, device privacy and developer support. The company is preparing a wider hardware push — including a Siri AI home hub, new set‑top box, refreshed HomePod mini and Mac updates — while pursuing a trade‑secrets suit against OpenAI.
Micron has reported blockbuster fiscal third-quarter results — $41.46bn revenue and $28.24bn net income — and has forecast roughly $50bn for the current quarter. The results have pushed Micron above a $1tn market value, restarted buying in memory stocks and have sharpened concerns that soaring AI data‑centre demand is forcing consumer electronics makers, including Apple, to prepare price increases.
Prime Day shelves Apple gear discounts despite price hikes, with iPads, MacBooks and AirPods on sale. Deals span AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2, and MacBook lines, while AirPods, Watches and iPads see varying discounts. Authorities note time-limited, inventory-driven pricing while Apple prices have increased.
Major device makers have raised prices and warned consumers after memory and storage costs have surged because AI data‑centre buildouts are buying up DRAM and flash. Apple has increased Mac and iPad prices; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have signalled or implemented console and hardware hikes. Analysts say shortages will persist into 2027.
Prices for Xbox consoles and various Apple devices have surged as AI-driven demand strains memory and storage components, pushing manufacturers to raise prices by hundreds of dollars. The trend affects consumers globally as memory costs double and memory shortages loom. The changes come as several publishers report price increases from Microsoft, Apple and others amid an AI infrastructure boom.
A roundup of current Amazon Haul deals highlights bargain-priced items across Lego, Adidas, Salter and other brands. The feature notes low prices due to direct-from-manufacturer sourcing, with delivery times of up to two weeks.
Chips used in AI data centers are squeezing memory supply and driving up RAM costs, impacting smartphones, laptops, and other devices. The trend is shifting production toward high-bandwidth memory, reducing capacity for consumer chips and pressuring prices across the tech sector.
A roundup of refurbished iPhones and MacBooks is changing how consumers access premium devices. Retailers stress quality checks and warranties, making refurbished models a viable alternative to new purchases amid ongoing price hikes.
Apple has overtaken Nvidia to become the world’s most valuable company, with a market cap of about $4.95 trillion. Nvidia’s shares have fallen after talks of OpenAI funding and AI investment concerns weighed on sentiment. The broader AI stock rout continues as investors reassess capital expenditure and debt in the sector.