Apple has increased the prices of several MacBook models in the UAE, a move that presents laptop buyers with higher costs just as the back-to-school and university shopping season begins.

According to price checks on Apple’s official UAE website, the most significant increase affects the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip. The base price for this model now starts at AED 8,499, up from approximately AED 7,199 in March, meaning buyers must now pay around AED 1,300 more.

The price hikes are not limited to the Pro models. The 13-inch MacBook Air with the M5 chip, which started at AED 4,599 in March, is now priced at AED 5,499. The 15-inch MacBook Air has also risen from AED 5,499 to AED 6,299. Consequently, the 13-inch model is AED 900 more expensive, while the 15-inch model has seen an AED 800 increase.

Prices have also risen for entry-level models. The 256GB version of the MacBook Neo has increased from AED 2,599 to AED 2,999, while the 512GB version with Magic Keyboard and Touch ID has risen from AED 2,999 to AED 3,499.

Apple has attributed these price increases to the sharp rise in component costs, particularly for memory and storage. According to the company, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers has created unprecedented demand for these components, driving up prices at an exceptional rate.

The surge in global investment in AI data centers has placed heavy demand pressure on chip and memory manufacturers. These components are used in laptops and smartphones as well as the servers and processing infrastructure that power AI.

Reports indicate that Apple’s price adjustments are not limited to the UAE, as some products in the US market, including the 14-inch MacBook Pro and iPad Air, have also become more expensive. However, iPhone prices remain unchanged for the time being.

This shift could influence consumer behavior in the UAE. Some users may delay their purchases until seasonal discount periods, opt for older or refurbished models, or explore alternative brands.

Overall, the rising cost of MacBooks in the UAE demonstrates how the wave of AI investment and pressure on the component supply chain is gradually impacting consumer goods. For UAE buyers, purchasing the latest professional-grade Apple models now requires a larger investment.