- Tech companies are increasing prices for older devices and consoles, reversing the trend of decreasing costs over time.
- Apple and Microsoft are among the firms raising prices, citing rising component costs due to high AI demand for chips like RAM.
- AI data centers are driving up demand for memory chips, leading to shortages and price surges, with RAM prices more than doubling recently.
- Consumer electronics like MacBooks are competing with AI data centers for the same components, resulting in higher prices for devices.
- Inflation and geopolitical issues, such as the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, are compounding the memory shortage and price increases.
- Critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders, accuse tech firms of 'corporate greed,' as companies report strong revenue growth despite price hikes.
- Analysts predict the constrained supply situation could last up to two years, with prices expected to remain high or continue rising.