Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Apple Posts Steep Hikes on External SSDs as Supply Tightens

Vendor-set pricing tied to AI-driven memory and flash shortages is pushing up costs, depleting inventories.

Overview

  • Apple updated listings in stores and online to reflect significantly higher prices on multiple third‑party external drives.
  • A SanDisk 4TB portable SSD sold through Apple rose from around $500 to about $1,200, and a 1TB model jumped from roughly $120 to near $360.
  • Mark Gurman reports that manufacturers are setting the new prices, limiting Apple’s ability to keep consumer costs down.
  • Stock is scarce across Apple’s channels, with similar shortages and elevated pricing observed at retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.
  • Coverage notes Apple’s Mac prices have not increased alongside accessory costs, with newer MacBook Pro base storage moving to 1TB.