Your favorite gadgets are getting pricier again, with new price hikes hitting consumer electronics. Apple has already boosted prices for MacBooks and iPads, and Xbox consoles are set to follow suit in August. This follows recent increases for products like the PlayStation 5 Pro and broader inflation impacting shipping costs.
The primary driver behind this latest wave of price increases, which follows last year's tariffs, is a persistent shortage of memory chips. Chip manufacturers are prioritizing production for AI data centers, leading to less supply for other tech products that rely on these components. Experts suggest this isn't a short-term issue, as the demand for AI technology shows no signs of slowing down.
"In the past, you maybe could have waited out little blips like this," explains Shawn DuBravac, chief economist at the Global Electronics Association. "I don't think that's the case here. Waiting is not a strategy right now and probably won't be for the foreseeable future." He advises that buying refurbished gear is the best way to avoid hikes, but if new is essential, be prepared for increased costs, as prices that have already risen might represent the best available price point for a while.
This inflationary pressure is causing concern for consumers facing back-to-school and holiday shopping. "People are worried that they're going to have to pay a lot of money for the next device or the next purchase," notes Thibaud Hug de Larauze, CEO of secondhand marketplace Back Market. "The bad thing about that is just pushing people to upgrade more rapidly because they’re scared of inflation, basically."
On a brighter note, the demand for refurbished and secondhand electronics is booming. This trend offers a more ethical and eco-friendly alternative to buying new. Sean Cleland, VP of Mobility Tech at B-Stock, highlights that used smartphones are currently selling for 10-20% more than they did in late 2025, a significant shift from typical depreciation patterns. This surge in demand means the resale market is experiencing a temporary upside.
"The supply chain will correct eventually," Cleland states. "Secondary market pricing will go back to normal depreciation, but it will continue being a step above what it was in 2025. It just never comes all the way back." This robust resale market, coupled with manufacturers' buyback and trade-in programs, provides consumers with opportunities to recoup more value from their old devices, especially smartphones, during these times of high demand.
