MacBook Pro Rumors: Demand For Entry Level Notebook May Stall After Memory Upgrade Prices Surge

These days, most are maximizing the use of their notebooks while confined to their homes. For those on Apple-branded laptops, some may have the 13-inch entry-level MacBook Pro in hand. By default, they come armed with 8 GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 memory. The Cupertino company did offer an option to upgrade to 16 GB for $100 more. It appears that offer has now doubled. Apple last offered the $100 upgrade just last Friday (May 29, 2020).

Reddit Users spotted the change for folks who intend to buy the entry-level MacBook Pro and get it with 16 GB on board. It now costs $200 and affects only the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple has yet to officially explain why this came about although some feel that this could be a result of RAM supply shortages. The sudden shoot up in prices is normal once shortages occur. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued businesses with problems, this is likely one of them.

Manufacturers would typically absorb the cost when components become cheaper. If not, Apple could choose to no longer offer the upgrade temporarily until stocks return back to normal. It would also be best to note that the change is not limited to customers in the United States. Other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have also doubled the price for memory upgrades, Apple Insider reported.

Apple has been known to make price adjustments on their products, ideally depending on the fluctuations of exchange rates. The good news is that they return to normal at some point. For the recent memory upgrade mark-ups, there is a chance that the Cupertino company could do the same. However, this may depend if operations return to normal and supplies starts to come in.

Hence, folks who are planning to get the MacBook Pro entry-level may have to decide on whether to get one now or delay their plans. Some may get one but could pass on the upgrade. Others could be forced to claim the upgrade option, particularly the ones who need a smooth-running MacBook Pro.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is priced starting at $1,299. This the 8 GB model that comes with a 1.4 GHz quad-core 8th Generation Core i5 processor. It also comes with 256 GB of SSD storage. Alternatively, there is also the variant with a 10th Generation Core i5 and 16 GB RAM priced at $1,799.