Apple has started charging more for some of its products, and AI is one of the big reasons why. The increases apply to select iPads and MacBooks, along with HomePod speakers and Apple TV devices. Apple’s own store pages now show higher prices on several models than earlier launch materials listed. The iPhone was not included in this round, but analysts warn that may not last.

Apple says it can no longer fully shield customers from soaring memory and storage chip costs tied to AI data center demand. The pressure comes from what some in the tech industry are calling RAMageddon. AI data centers need huge amounts of DRAM and high-bandwidth memory to train and run advanced models. Those are the same basic chip categories that help power phones, laptops, tablets, game consoles and other devices sitting in your home right now.

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APPLE TAPS GOOGLE GEMINI TO POWER APPLE INTELLIGENCE

Why AI is making memory chips harder to get

AI gets a lot of attention for chatbots, image tools and smart assistants. Behind the scenes, though, it runs on massive hardware systems. Those systems need powerful processors. They also need a lot of memory. That is where the pressure builds. High-bandwidth memory, often called HBM, helps AI chips move huge amounts of data quickly. Data centers want more of it, and chipmakers are chasing that demand because AI hardware can bring in big money.

At the same time, everyday tech still needs regular DRAM and NAND storage. Phones use memory to keep apps running smoothly. Macs need it for multitasking. Apple’s iPad, Apple Watch and Vision Pro rely on memory and storage too. In other words, AI companies and consumer gadget makers are now competing for parts from the same broader supply chain. When supply gets tight, prices usually move one way.

Why Apple feels the squeeze

Apple has enormous buying power. That usually helps the company secure parts at better prices. But even Apple has limits when an entire market tightens.

Tim Cook, Apple’s outgoing CEO, had warned that memory costs would increasingly affect Apple after the June quarter. Now, Apple says it has reached the point where it needs to begin passing some of those costs to customers.

That is important because hardware margins are a huge part of Apple’s business. A higher memory bill can eat into profits fast, especially on premium devices that ship in massive numbers.

The iPhone escaped this round, but analysts expect Apple may raise iPhone prices in the coming months. Apple could still handle the iPhone differently by raising only Pro model prices, adjusting storage tiers, leaning on carrier promotions or pushing trade-in offers harder to soften the blow.

INSIDE APPLE MAC WEEK: NEW POWER, SMARTER AI, BOLD INNOVATIONS

Apple has another AI problem too

This memory crunch comes at a tricky time for Apple. The company has been under pressure to show that its AI strategy can keep up with rivals. Earlier this year, Apple agreed to a $250 million settlement tied to claims that it overstated or delayed certain AI features connected to Siri and Apple Intelligence. Apple denied wrongdoing, but the case added to the pressure around its AI rollout.

Then, at WWDC 2026, Apple showed off a major Siri overhaul and the next generation of Apple Intelligence. Those features could make Apple devices more useful, especially if Siri becomes better at understanding personal context, what is on your screen and what you are trying to do. But there is a catch. More on-device AI can also raise hardware demands over time. If future Apple features need more memory, more storage or more powerful chips, the premium models may become even more expensive. That puts Apple in a tough spot. It needs to prove its AI features are worth the wait. At the same time, the parts needed to support that AI push are getting more expensive.

Which Apple products got more expensive?

The current price increases apply to select iPads and MacBooks, along with HomePod speakers and Apple TV devices. 

The MacBook Neo’s starting price moved from $599 to $699, months after launch.  The MacBook Air with 512GB of storage rose to $1,299 from $1,099. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage rose to $1,999 from $1,699. The iPad Air with 128GB of storage rose to $749 from $599.

The price increases also hit Apple’s home devices. The HomePod mini rose to $129 from $99, while HomePod rose to $349 from $299. Apple TV rose to $199 from $129.

The iPhone is still the big product to watch because it sells in huge numbers. If Apple raises iPhone prices next, you would feel that faster than a change to a smaller product line. The Pro models may be especially vulnerable because they tend to carry more advanced chips, more memory and higher storage options.

10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE BUYING REFURBISHED ELECTRONICS

What you can do before more Apple prices rise

Here is where things get useful. You cannot control the memory chip market. But you can make a smarter buying decision before paying more than you expected.

1) Check whether you really need a new device now

Start with your current device. If the only problem is battery life, a battery replacement may buy you more time for far less than a new iPhone or Mac. That is especially true if your device still runs the latest software and handles your daily routine well.

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the battery health has dropped a lot, compare the cost of service with the cost of replacing the phone. You can also check out our guide on whether you should replace your phone battery or buy a new phone.

2) Look at your storage before you overbuy

Do not guess how much storage you need. Check it first.

On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage. You will see which apps, photos, videos and messages are taking up space.

On Mac, click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.

Storage controls how much you can keep on your device. Memory helps your device handle apps and tasks while you use it. Both can affect the price, but they are different things.  Before paying for a bigger storage tier, try clearing space first. Delete large message attachments, remove old downloads, offload apps you rarely use and move photos or videos you want to keep onto cloud storage or an external drive.

If you are only using half your storage after years with a device, you may not need to pay for the largest storage tier next time. On the other hand, buying too little storage can become expensive too, especially if your phone is always full.

For more step-by-step help, check out our guides on how to free up iPhone storage, how to clean up your phone and how to transfer photos from your phone to a hard drive.

3) Check your Mac’s memory needs before you upgrade

If you are buying a Mac, storage is only part of the decision. Apple’s newer Macs use unified memory, and you usually cannot upgrade it later. That means the amount you choose at checkout can affect how long the computer feels fast.

On Mac, open Activity Monitor by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor. Then click the Memory tab. Look at Memory Pressure.

If it stays green during your normal workday, your current memory setup may be enough. If it often turns yellow or red while you edit video, keep lots of browser tabs open or use demanding apps, more memory may be worth paying for upfront.

4) Watch current prices before the fall launches

If you already planned to buy an iPhone, iPad or Mac this year, track current pricing now. Look at Apple, carriers, major retailers and warehouse clubs. Save the current price so you can compare it later. That helps you spot a real deal versus a marketing discount that only looks good. It also helps you see whether a product has already jumped in price before you buy.

5) Look for discounts before paying full price

Before you buy directly from Apple, check whether you qualify for education pricing, employer discounts, carrier offers or warehouse club deals. Some discounts are straightforward. Others come with strings attached, especially carrier promotions. Look at the full monthly cost, not just the upfront device price.

6) Consider Apple Certified Refurbished

Apple’s Certified Refurbished store can be worth checking before paying full price. These devices go through Apple’s testing process and include a one-year warranty. The selection changes, so it works best when you have some flexibility on color, storage or model. For many people, a refurbished Mac or iPad from Apple can be a smarter buy than stretching for the newest version at the highest price.  You can also check out our guides on the best ways to give your old iPhone a second life and how to know when it is time to replace your Mac.

7) Compare trade-in offers before you commit

Trade-in values can vary between Apple, carriers and retailers. Before you buy, check more than one offer. A carrier may give you a bigger credit, but it may require a specific plan or a long bill-credit period. That is where people get tripped up. A “free” phone may be tied to 24 or 36 months of service. Make sure the plan cost still makes sense.

8) Do not buy only because of AI

AI features can sound exciting during a product launch. But ask yourself what you will use every week. Better battery life, a stronger camera, more storage or a faster laptop may matter more to you than a new assistant feature.  Also, some AI features can arrive later through software updates. Others may require newer hardware. Before upgrading, check which features actually work on the device you are buying.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

AI is no longer something happening only inside data centers. It is now affecting the price of devices you use every day. Apple has already started charging more for select iPads and Macs, along with HomePod speakers and Apple TV devices.

The iPhone escaped this round, but that may not last. Before buying anything new, check your current device first. A battery replacement, storage cleanup, trade-in offer or refurbished model may save you money. Also, do not pay extra for AI features unless you know you will actually use them.

Now that Apple prices are rising, does it make you want to pause from buying anything new and hold on to what you already have? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Maraget Atwood, the storied author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin, was interviewed as part of the Babell Literary and Cultural Festival in Porto, Portugal. As it usually does at these things, the issue of AI came up, and Atwood didn’t mince words.

According to Deadline’s recap, Atwood said she’d used an AI chatbot exactly once, Anthropic’s Claude, and came away unimpressed. She was looking for information about the British detective series Father Brown and, well:

”Claude gave me the wrong answer, or it lied. Of course, it didn’t know it was lying because it’s not a human being; it’s a large language model… It had skimmed and sampled a lot of television reviews, but they never give away the ending in online criticism, so it was misled by the things it had read about the show.”

She didn’t have particularly kind words for the people who rely on AI either, calling them “opportunists” looking for the easy way out. But of course, as she pointed out, all LLMs are only as good as the data they’re fed, and putting your faith in a machine trained on scraped, previously published, and possibly out-of-date information isn’t the best idea.

“Human beings are not robots, but they are opportunists, so if there’s an easy way to cheat and it’s hard to detect, people will do it… But the thing about AI is that it’s garbage in, garbage out. Even people who use it for business reasons have to check it because it makes mistakes.”

A plain white envelope shows up in your mailbox. It is addressed to you. It may even have a tracking number. The sender’s name looks unfamiliar, but the delivery seems real. Then you open it. Nothing is inside. No note. No product. No explanation.

That would make anyone curious. And that is exactly what scammers may be counting on. Investigators and consumer protection groups have warned that empty envelopes and mystery packages can be tied to a scam known as brushing. In a more dangerous version, the package may include a QR code that tries to send you to a fake website or steal your personal information.

The bigger risk is what scammers hope you do next. If they can get you to scan a QR code, click a link, call a fake number or enter personal information, that strange envelope can turn into a much bigger problem.

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QR CODE SCAMS RISE AS 73% OF AMERICANS SCAN WITHOUT CHECKING 

What is the empty envelope scam?

The empty envelope scam is often connected to brushing. That is when a third-party seller sends a cheap item, or sometimes an empty envelope, to a real person’s address to make it look like a real order was delivered.

Once the package gets marked as delivered, a shady seller may use that delivery record to post a fake “verified buyer” review on an online marketplace. Those reviews can make junk products look more popular than they really are.

Recent reports describe people receiving small white padded envelopes from unfamiliar or possibly fake sender names. Some people get them more than once. Others receive cheap trinkets, packing material or nothing at all.

That may seem like a strange nuisance. But to me, the bigger concern is this: someone may already have your name and home address.

Why scammers send empty envelopes

Scammers do not need to send you anything valuable. They only need a tracking number that shows something arrived at a real home. Here is how the scam often works:

A scammer gets your name and address from a data broker, public record, old breach or online leak. Then they create a fake order using your information. Next, they mail a cheap item or an empty envelope to your home.

After the delivery gets marked as complete, the seller can make it appear that you bought the product. A fake positive review may then appear under your name or account details. That helps bad sellers boost ratings and fool real shoppers. It also shows that your personal information may already be floating around, where scammers can grab it.

THE ONE THING SCAMMERS CHECK BEFORE TARGETING YOU ONLINE

The QR code twist makes this scam more dangerous

Some mystery packages now include a QR code. The message may sound harmless. It may say something like “scan to see who sent this gift” or “scan to verify delivery.” Do not scan it.

A QR code is a hidden link. You cannot easily see where it leads before your phone reads it. Scammers know curiosity is powerful, especially when a package arrives with your name on it.

That QR code may send you to a fake website that asks for your name, phone number, address, credit card, bank login or shopping account password. It may also try to trick you into entering a one-time verification code.

That is where the real financial risk begins. If you give scammers your login details or banking information, they may be able to take over accounts, make purchases or access payment apps.

What to do if you receive an empty envelope

If an envelope or package arrives and you did not order it, do not panic. Treat it as a warning sign and take a few smart steps.

1) Do not scan any QR code

Even if the card says you need to scan it to identify the sender, skip it. Go directly to the retailer, shipper or official website yourself.

2) Do not call mystery phone numbers

Scammers may include a fake customer service number or website inside the package. If you need to contact Amazon, Walmart, eBay, USPS, UPS or FedEx, type the official website into your browser or use the company’s official app.

3) Check your shopping accounts

Log in directly to your Amazon, Walmart, eBay, TikTok Shop and other shopping accounts. Look for orders you do not recognize, strange reviews, changed addresses or unfamiliar payment methods.

4) Change important passwords

Start with your email, shopping accounts and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager to create and store them safely. Do not reuse the same password across multiple sites. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com

5) Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication, also called 2FA, adds a second step to your login so a password alone isn’t enough. Use an authenticator app when possible. It gives you stronger protection than text messages and makes it harder for a scammer to get into your accounts.

6) Watch your bank and credit card statements

Look for small test charges, unfamiliar purchases, new subscriptions or withdrawals you did not make. Report anything suspicious to your bank right away.

7) Check your credit reports

If you think your identity may be at risk, review your credit reports. You can also consider a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

8) Report the package

Report suspicious packages to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report. You can also file a scam report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. If a retailer’s name appears on the label, report it directly through that retailer’s official site.

WARNING SIGNS YOUR MAIL HAS BEEN FRAUDULENTLY REDIRECTED

What if you already scanned the QR code?

Scanning a QR code does not always mean your accounts are compromised. But if you entered information, downloaded an app or typed in a verification code, act quickly.

• Close the browser window and stop using the site.
• Do not enter any more personal or financial information.
• Change the password for any account you entered and use a password manager to create and store a strong, unique replacement.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Check your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity.
• Contact your bank if you entered payment information.
• Run a security scan on your phone or computer with a strong antivirus software.
• Delete any app you installed from the QR code.
• Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• If you entered your Social Security number, banking login or other sensitive information, consider freezing your credit.

Protect your phone from malicious links and QR codes

A good security tool can help block phishing websites, unsafe links and malicious downloads before they cause damage. We recommend using a strong antivirus software because it adds protection beyond basic virus scanning. It includes phishing protection, scam protection and web threat blocking for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Reduce the personal data scammers can use

Brushing scams often start because your name, home address, phone number or other details are already online. Data brokers collect and sell this information. Scammers can use it to make their tricks feel more believable. A data removal service can help reduce your exposure by requesting that your personal information be removed from broker sites. We recommend using a good data removal service to help remove your personal information from data broker sites and reduce the amount of data scammers can use to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaways

An empty envelope may look harmless, but it can be a sign that your personal information is already being misused. The most important move is to avoid anything inside the package that tries to pull you into another step. Do not scan QR codes from mystery packages. Do not call unknown numbers printed on cards. Do not enter personal information on a website you reached from a package you never ordered. Scammers are counting on curiosity. Slow down, go directly to official websites and secure your accounts before a strange envelope turns into a much bigger headache.

Have you received an empty envelope or mystery package you never ordered? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.