MacBook値上げ‥買い時はいつ？価格推移から読み解く2026年最新の購入戦略

Why Did MacBooks Get More Expensive? A Full Breakdown of the 2026 Price Changes — Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

“Wait, prices went up again?” On June 25, 2026, Apple abruptly revised the prices of its Mac and iPad lineups, catching many would-be buyers off guard. What made this round different was that it wasn’t tied to any new product launch — it was, in effect, an “unannounced price hike.” Seeing prices jump by tens of thousands of yen, plenty of people worried they’d already missed their window to buy.

This article lays out the actual pre- and post-increase pricing data to explain what’s really behind the hike and to help you decide whether now is the right time to buy. We’ll also look at the outlook for 2027 and beyond, along with some ways to save money if you do decide to purchase.

Why Did the MacBook Price Increase Happen? The Full Story Behind the June 2026 Revision

On June 25, 2026, Apple revised prices across its Japan lineup — Mac, iPad, HomePod, and more — all at once. The most notable feature of this round was that existing models simply got more expensive, with no new model announcement attached.

Normally, Apple price increases in Japan happen alongside the launch of new models. This time, though, the changes had more the character of an “emergency revision,” driven by rapid yen depreciation and rising costs for semiconductor components.

The price increase covered Mac, iPad, HomePod, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Meanwhile, iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and AirTag were left out of this round (iPhone pricing was revised separately afterward, on July 18).

One factor behind this is what’s known internally as the “Apple rate” — Apple’s internal exchange rate for pricing. Even the Bank of Japan’s official reference exchange rate shows the yen at a historically weak level of roughly ¥159 to the dollar as of June 2026.

Reference: Bank of Japan, “Reference Exchange Rates” (June figures)

Itō’s take: Apple appears to have raised its internal exchange rate from previous levels in order to protect its profit margins in Japan. That said, as explained below, the exchange rate isn’t the whole story behind this price increase.

Price Comparison Table: Every MacBook Model, Before and After

Here’s a summary of exactly how much each model went up. The current lineup centers on the entry-level “MacBook Neo” and the M5-chip models that launched in March 2026. Below is a comparison of tax-included prices before and after the revision.

Model-by-Model Price Comparison

Note: Prices are subject to change — please check Apple’s official site before purchasing.

The single largest jump in absolute yen terms is the MacBook Pro 16-inch, up ¥70,000. In percentage terms, though, the MacBook Air 13-inch tops the list at 21.6%, showing that entry- and mid-range models have been hit hardest by this increase.

The MacBook Neo is particularly symbolic here. It launched in late 2025 as an “affordable Mac under ¥100,000,” but after this price change it now sits at ¥119,800 — and that budget-friendly option has effectively disappeared. For students and casual users, the psychological barrier to buying just went up.

Prices for build-to-order (CTO) upgrades — more memory or storage — have also risen across the board. Go for a fully maxed-out configuration and the total difference compared to before the increase can exceed ¥200,000, so it’s worth choosing your configuration carefully.

Itō’s take: What matters here is whether you’re still getting value for the price. This is purely my own subjective take, but here’s roughly how the price-to-satisfaction balance has shifted:

• March 2025 (M4 launch): Good balance between performance gains and price — satisfaction was high.
• March 2026 (M5 launch, pre-increase): Performance improved further while prices stayed roughly flat — well received.
• June 2026 (post-increase): Performance is still strong, but the psychological price barrier has risen.

Honestly, while the products themselves keep getting better, the sense of “good value” in the Japanese market is at its lowest point in years.

The Real Reason Behind the Price Hike: It’s Not Just the Yen — It’s Memory Prices

While the weak yen gets a lot of attention, the bigger driver behind this price increase may actually be the surge in semiconductor memory prices.

The explosive growth of generative AI has driven a massive worldwide surge in demand for high-performance memory used in AI servers. As a result, reports indicate that DRAM prices — the memory chips also used in ordinary computers — have risen sharply in roughly the span of a year.

According to multiple overseas media reports, Apple CEO Tim Cook has acknowledged that rising component costs are squeezing profit margins. In other words, this price increase looks like the product of two factors compounding each other: the weak yen and rising component costs.

Will Prices Return to Normal in 2027?

The concerning part is that neither of these two factors is likely to resolve quickly. Exchange rates are driven by the gap between U.S. and Japanese interest rates, and the memory shortage is expected by some to persist into 2027 and beyond.

History also suggests that once prices go up, they rarely return to their previous level — so there’s a real possibility the current price range becomes the “new normal.”

Conclusion: The Right Time to Buy a MacBook Is Basically “When You Actually Need One”

“Isn’t it a bad idea to buy right after a price increase?” Here’s my take on that question. If you have a genuine, immediate need, this is a reasonable time to lean toward buying rather than waiting. Here’s why, step by step.

Start with the exchange rate outlook. Most market watchers don’t see a strong chance of the yen swinging back sharply by the end of 2026. If anything, some expect the current level to hold, or for the yen to weaken further — which makes it unlikely Apple will voluntarily lower prices. In short, there’s no guarantee that waiting will actually save you money.

Then there’s the product cycle to consider. The current M5 models only launched in March 2026, and the next-generation “M6” models aren’t expected until sometime between late 2026 and 2027 at the earliest. Since the current lineup will remain the latest for a while yet, the risk of it becoming outdated any time soon is relatively low.

Here’s a general guide to buying timing based on your situation:

Buying-Timing Guide

Note: Please weigh your own usage and budget when deciding on timing.

It’s also worth keeping in mind — though far from certain — that a “second price increase” tied to renewed currency hedging could happen toward winter. It’s not something to count on, but it’s worth having in the back of your mind as a risk factor.

Things to Know Before You Buy: Caveats and Downsides

So far this article has leaned toward “buying now is a reasonable option” — but there are real downsides too. Here’s what to keep in mind before deciding.

1. Further price increases aren’t off the table — but it’s also not impossible that a temporary sale or a calming of the exchange rate could bring the effective price down again in a few months.
2. Refurbished stock is unpredictable, so the exact configuration you want may not be available right away — go in expecting to check back regularly.
3. Older models (like the M4) are cheaper but sold while supplies last — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
4. Currency markets and semiconductor supply are notoriously hard to predict, even for experts. Treat the outlook in this article as one reference point, and make your final call based on your own needs and budget.

Note: The above summarizes general trends as reference information. Market conditions change, so please check the latest information before buying.

Four Practical Ways to Save on a MacBook Despite the Price Hike

With list prices now higher, buying smart matters more than ever. Beyond paying full price directly from Apple, there are several routes to getting a MacBook at a more reasonable price. Here are four effective approaches.

1. Go for Apple’s Certified Refurbished products

Apple’s own refurbished program — where units are repaired and inspected in-house and sold in like-new condition — is worth checking regularly. These typically run about 15–20% below list price, and come with the same one-year warranty and AppleCare+ eligibility as new units. For older-chip models in particular, a refurbished unit can end up being a better deal than a brand-new current-generation model. Popular configurations sell out fast, so it helps to use a restock-notification service and check in often.

2. Use student/educator pricing and “back to school” promotions

If you’re a student, parent, or educator, it’s worth checking Apple’s education pricing, which typically knocks off ¥10,000–¥30,000 depending on the model. On top of that, Apple’s “Shop for College” campaign — usually running from February through April — adds Apple Gift Card rebates on top of the education discount. If you buy gift cards ahead of time through a service with points back, you can shave a bit more off your effective cost.

3. Use Amazon sales and electronics-store point rewards, or go for a previous-generation model

For standard configurations, Amazon’s Prime Day and Black Friday sales can knock off several tens of thousands of yen. During the early-access 2026 Prime Day sale, for example, Apple products were reportedly discounted by as much as 34%. Electronics retailers also offer their own point rewards, plus frequent trade-in bonus campaigns for old Macs — so it’s worth comparing offers based on your effective net cost after trade-in.

If the latest chip isn’t a must-have for you, a previous-generation model (like the M4) is also worth considering. These are often excluded from the price hike and can run several tens of thousands of yen cheaper than current models. For everyday tasks, an older model still offers plenty of performance.

Purchase Route Comparison

Looking Ahead to 2027: The M6 Models and the Risk of Another Price Increase

A key factor in thinking about the MacBook’s future is the next-generation “M6” chip. Market observers expect M6 models to arrive as early as late 2026, or by early 2027 at the latest.

That said, it may be overly optimistic to expect M6 models to bring prices back down to pre-hike levels. There are two main reasons.

First, the semiconductor memory shortage isn’t expected to ease anytime soon. AI-related demand is expected to remain elevated, making a quick drop in memory prices unlikely.

Second, there’s a time-lag effect from currency hedging. Apple is believed to hedge against future exchange-rate swings over a set period. That means upcoming new products may more directly reflect the yen’s weaker rate at the time of their pricing decisions. In other words, it’s worth preparing for a scenario where the M6 models’ base price rises by more than the performance gains alone would justify.

One useful strategy in this environment is choosing models with strong resale value. MacBooks tend to hold their value better on the secondhand market than Windows laptops, with standard configurations and popular colors sometimes reselling for 50–70% of their original price even after a few years of use. Rather than thinking “it’s too expensive, so I won’t buy it,” it may help to think “it resells well, so my effective cost of ownership is actually lower” — a useful lens for buying in this higher-price era.

Q&A

Q: If the yen strengthens, will MacBook prices drop right away? A: Probably not right away. Historically, Apple hasn’t adjusted prices in response to short-term currency swings. Unless a significant yen appreciation holds for several months to half a year or more, and doesn’t coincide with a new model launch, a price cut is unlikely.

Q: Should I buy the current M5 model or a previous-generation M4 model? A: It depends on your use case. If you plan to use it for a long time, the current M5 model is the safer bet for performance and support longevity. If your needs are basic and cost matters more, the M4 — which was excluded from the price hike — is a solid option.

Q: Should I wait for an Amazon sale or similar to get a lower price? A: If a major sale is coming up within a few months, it’s worth waiting. Just note that sales mostly cover standard configurations. If you need a custom build or need a machine urgently for work, it may be better to buy sooner given the risk of further price increases.

Q: I’m a student — has the education price also gone up? A: Yes, education pricing has been raised along with standard pricing. That said, the discount margin relative to standard pricing has been preserved, so it’s still a good deal for students and educators. Combining it with the spring campaign’s gift card rebate can help offset some of the increase.

Q: What should I watch out for when buying a used MacBook? A: The price increase has also pushed up secondhand market prices. Listings priced well below market rate may involve battery degradation or a model nearing the end of its support life, so be cautious. If peace of mind matters to you, prioritize Apple’s Certified Refurbished program, which comes with a quality guarantee, and be wary of unwarrantied private sales.

Summary

Here’s a recap of the current state of MacBook pricing. The June 2026 revision wasn’t a one-off fluctuation — it’s the result of two structural factors compounding each other: a weak yen and rising semiconductor memory costs.

Background and Price Trends at a Glance

1. Background: A historically weak yen, combined with a memory-price surge driven by AI demand, are the main drivers.
2. Price movement: Major models rose by roughly 20%, and sub-¥100,000 options have disappeared from the lineup.
3. When to buy: If you have an urgent need, now is a reasonable option — but there’s no guarantee waiting will save you money.
4. How to save: Certified Refurbished units, education pricing, Amazon sales, trade-ins, and previous-generation models are all effective options.

Note: Prices and market conditions change — please check the latest information before purchasing.

A MacBook isn’t just a consumer good — it’s a tool that supports your daily work and creative projects. Rather than fixating purely on the sticker price, I’d encourage you to choose the timing that makes sense for your own situation and budget.

Company Information

Company: Apple Inc. Official website: https://www.apple.com/jp/ Key strengths: Apple’s proprietary M-series chips deliver strong processing power with low energy use. Add to that the refined feel of the aluminum unibody design and the seamless ecosystem integration with iPhone and iPad. Best suited for: Professional creatives, efficiency-focused business users, students wanting a high-quality learning setup, and anyone looking for a computer they can rely on for years.

Apple Inc., headquartered in Cupertino, California, is a technology company that develops hardware — including MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch — as well as software like macOS and iOS, all in-house. Apple’s products are known not just for their specs, but for an intuitive user experience and a minimal, refined design language. The company also emphasizes privacy protection and environmental sustainability, offering tools used across settings from professional work to everyday study.