Apple hikes MacBook, iPad prices by up to 42%; Microsoft raises Xbox price globally

Apple has significantly increased the prices of several MacBook and iPad models globally, including in India, with some devices now costing up to 42% more than their launch prices amid rising component costs affecting the consumer electronics industry.

According to the latest pricing on Apple’s India website, the company’s M5-powered MacBook Pro lineup has become nearly 20% more expensive. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip now starts at ₹2,99,900, up from its launch price of ₹2,49,900.

The steepest increase has been seen in the iPad Air lineup. The base 13-inch iPad Air now carries a starting price of ₹1,19,900, compared with its launch price of ₹84,900—an increase of 41.22%.

The revised prices come as manufacturers across the technology sector grapple with rising production costs, particularly for advanced semiconductor components that have become increasingly expensive amid booming demand driven by artificial intelligence.

Microsoft raises Xbox console prices

Microsoft has also announced a fresh round of price hikes for its Xbox gaming consoles worldwide, citing soaring chip costs linked to AI demand.

Beginning August 1, Xbox consoles will become $100 to $150 more expensive globally. In the United States, the entry-level Xbox Series S will retail for $500, while the Xbox Series X will cost up to $800. The company has also confirmed that the 2TB Xbox Series X model will be discontinued.

This marks Microsoft’s third Xbox price increase, following a global hike in May 2025 and another increase limited to the US in October.

The latest moves by Apple and Microsoft follow similar price revisions by Sony and Nintendo in recent months, highlighting a broader trend of rising costs across the consumer electronics industry as manufacturers contend with higher prices for key technology components.