Apple has raised prices for Macs and iPads, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Wednesday.

The move comes a week after Apple CEO Tim Cook (팀 쿡) said price increases were inevitable because of a surge in memory and storage chip prices.

With the increases, Mac computer prices rose about 15 to 20 percent and iPads rose 15 to 25 percent. The base MacBook Air is $200 higher at $1,299, the MacBook Pro is $300 higher at $1,999, and the MacBook Neo is $100 higher at $699. The iPad Air is $150 higher at $749, and the iPad Pro is $200 higher at $1,199. iPhone prices were unchanged, but Apple has suggested there could be additional increases.

In an official announcement, Apple said, "We have now reached the point where we need to raise prices," adding, "This is the first time component prices have risen this fast and this much."

According to market research firm TechInsights, surging demand from AI data centres has pushed DRAM and NAND flash memory prices up fourfold over the past 12 months. The firm expects the rise to continue into next year.

Cook said in an interview with the WSJ last week, "Supply is short when consumers want devices, and memory companies are passing on steep price increases."