Apple Expands Device Leasing as Memory Chip Prices Quadruple in 1 Year
Updated
Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 9
Apple Expands Device Leasing as Memory Chip Prices Quadruple in 1 Year
3 articles · Updated · The Seattle Times · Aug 9
Summary
Apple said its new U.S. leasing program is meant to cushion consumers from higher device prices, letting buyers pay monthly for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches through Klarna.
Memory and storage chip prices have quadrupled over the past year, Counterpoint Research said, as AI demand from companies such as Nvidia and AMD has diverted supply away from consumer-grade components.
A $1,999 MacBook Pro can now be leased for $38.99 a month over 36 months, with customers able at the end to upgrade, buy the device or return it.
Apple already raised some iPad and Mac prices by $200 or more in June, and analyst Richard Kramer said iPhone prices will "absolutely" rise this fall as peers including Samsung, Google and Microsoft also lift prices.
Returned devices in good condition will be refurbished and resold, giving Apple another way to expand in the refurbished market while softening the impact of further hardware price increases.