Your next computer might cost as much as a used car. It is all because of the race to make machines smarter.

WHAT HAPPENED

Apple just raised prices on its main computers and tablets. Most new MacBooks and iPads will now cost at least $200 more than they did before.

The company says the parts inside are getting too expensive. They need special memory and storage chips to run new AI features.

This is one of the biggest price jumps for Apple in a long time. It shows how much the tech world is changing right now.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

Price hike: $200 or more per device.

• Main cause: High cost of specialized memory chips.
• Supply: Tech giants are fighting over a small supply of parts.
• History: This is the most significant jump for core hardware in years.
• Future: Experts say these high prices may be permanent.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Is AI actually worth the extra money for the average person? We are being asked to pay more for features we might not even use yet.

We should ask if tech companies are using AI as an excuse to pad their profits. Or is the cost of building a smart computer truly that high?

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Students and small business owners will feel this most. Buying a new Mac just got a lot harder for people on a budget.

You might see more people keeping their old laptops for longer. Or, they might start looking at cheaper brands that don't focus as much on AI.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Will other brands like Dell or HP raise their prices too?
2. Will chip prices ever go back down if supply grows?
3. Is the AI software actually better on these new, expensive machines?