Evidence60%Strong
FactConfirmedFinancial·March 23, 2026
External Storage Prices Spike at Apple Store Due to AI-Driven Chip Shortage
Apple hiked prices on external drives sold through its stores (e.g., a SanDisk 4TB SSD jumping from ~$500 to $1,200) amid AI-fueled demand for memory and storage chips that is squeezing consumer supply, with most models sold out online.
Evidence Strength
Evidence60%Strong
Based on original reporting
Reported by 2 independent publishers
Insights
First tracked
March 22, 2026
Last updated
March 23, 2026
Sources
2 sources
Related Developments
Apple Launches New Studio Display ($1,599) and Studio Display XDR ($3,299) with Thunderbolt 5AppleInsider: Mac Gaming Has Improved But Remains InadequateRedesigned MacBook Pro with OLED, Touch Display, and Thinner Design Expected Later This YearMacBook Neo Launched and ReviewedGurman: AI Chip Shortage Likely to Worsen Throughout 2026 and Possibly Beyond
Sources (2)
Source Timeline
Apple raises external storage prices as AI consumes everythingAppleinsider·Mar 22
Evidence Strength
Evidence60%Strong
Based on original reporting
Reported by 2 independent publishers
Insights
First tracked
March 22, 2026
Last updated
March 23, 2026
Sources
2 sources
Related Developments
Apple Launches New Studio Display ($1,599) and Studio Display XDR ($3,299) with Thunderbolt 5AppleInsider: Mac Gaming Has Improved But Remains InadequateRedesigned MacBook Pro with OLED, Touch Display, and Thinner Design Expected Later This YearMacBook Neo Launched and ReviewedGurman: AI Chip Shortage Likely to Worsen Throughout 2026 and Possibly Beyond