Apple has recently introduced the newest version of its laptops, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, featuring the upgraded M5 chip. This launch has shed light on how escalating pricing for memory, storage, and other elements is influencing pricing strategies.
The entry-level MacBook Air now begins at $1099, reflecting a $100 increase from the earlier M4 model priced at $999. However, this rise is somewhat balanced by the fact that the base storage has been enhanced from 256 GB to 512 GB, rendering the effective price comparison more advantageous for buyers.
In a similar vein, the MacBook Pro’s entry-level 14-inch model equipped with the M5 Pro chip is valued at $2199, an increase from $1999 for the M4 Pro. Once more, the rise is counteracted by a storage upgrade from 512 GB to 1 TB.
Significantly, consumers intending to upgrade RAM will not encounter higher costs in comparison to the prior generation. The pricing for RAM upgrades remains unchanged: transitioning from 24 GB to 48 GB costs $400, whereas upgrading from 48 GB to 64 GB requires an additional $200, and 128 GB incurs an extra $1000. This pricing framework is consistent with that of the M4 Pro series.
The M5 MacBook Pro, which was launched in October 2025, has also experienced a price modification. The original entry-level model with 512 GB is no longer offered, and the new starting price is $1699 for a model featuring 1 TB of storage.
In summary, while the base prices for the MacBook models have risen by $100-$200, the effective expenditure for consumers remains stable, particularly for those intending to upgrade storage. Furthermore, Apple has succeeded in maintaining its RAM upgrade pricing despite the rising costs of components, which has alleviated concerns regarding substantial price increases.
Apple’s previous elevated pricing for RAM has permitted it to absorb some of the recent hikes in component costs, rendering its current RAM pricing appear reasonable relative to the wider market, where prices have risen dramatically.