Asia Tech Stocks Plunge on Apple Price Hikes Over AI Chip Costs
On June 25-26, 2026, Apple and Microsoft raised product prices due to soaring AI memory chip costs, triggering a broad tech selloff. Asian markets tumbled sharply on Friday, with SoftBank dropping over 11%, South Korea’s KOSPI falling 6.9% (halting trading), and Japan’s Nikkei 225 losing 4.3%. Investor sentiment worsened over OpenAI’s IPO delay to 2027 and concerns about stretched valuations and supply chain fragility.
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Apple Imposes 20% Price Hike Across Product Lines, Triggering Wall Street Selloff
Apple announced an unprecedented 20% average price increase across Macs, iPads, home devices, and Vision Pro, a move it avoided even during the COVID pandemic. The decision sent Apple stock (AAPL) down 6.12% on Thursday and 11% for the month, with analysts attributing the hike to surging memory costs. Micron Technology reported a 345% year-over-year revenue surge to $41.46 billion, confirming memory-price inflation as a key driver. The broader tech sector reacted negatively, with Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) falling 8.6% and Nvidia (NVDA) dropping 7% amid OpenAI's IPO delay to 2027. Analysts warn the move signals supply chain strain that could affect companies with less pricing power.
Yahoo FinanceApple memory chip warning causes fresh Asia tech sell-off
Markets across Asia fell sharply on Friday after Apple blamed memory chip shortages for a 20% price hike on Macbooks and iPads, citing an 'unprecedented challenge' from AI-driven demand. South Korea's Kospi dropped 6.9%, triggering a 20-minute trading halt for the third time this week, with SK Hynix plunging 9.1% and Samsung Electronics down 6.2%. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 fell 4.3%, Taiwan's TAIEX dropped 3.6%, and TSMC fell 2.1%. Investor sentiment was further dampened by reports that OpenAI may delay its IPO until 2027, causing Tokyo-listed Softbank to plummet 12.5%. Analysts noted stretched valuations and sensitivity to whether consumers will sustain higher prices, amid rate hike fears and supply chain concerns.
City AMApple memory chip warning triggers fresh Asia tech sell-off
Asian tech markets fell sharply on Friday after Apple blamed memory chip shortages for a 20% price hike on Macbooks and iPads, one of its broadest price increases ever. South Korea's Kospi tumbled 6.9%, triggering a 20-minute trading halt for the third time that week, with SK Hynix plunging 9.1% and Samsung Electronics down 6.2%. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 4.3%, led by Tokyo Electron's 3.2% drop, while Taiwan's TAIEX lost 3.6% as TSMC declined 2.1%. Apple warned of an 'unprecedented challenge' from surging memory costs driven by AI data center demand. Separately, reports that OpenAI may delay its IPO until 2027 to target a $1 trillion valuation spooked investors, sending Softbank shares down 12.5% and erasing earlier gains. Analysts noted stretched valuations and sensitivity to rate hike fears and supply chain risks.
City AMApple memory chip warning causes fresh Asia tech sell-off
Asian tech stocks fell sharply on Friday after Apple raised Macbook and iPad prices by 20%, blaming memory chip shortages driven by AI data center demand. South Korea's Kospi dropped 6.9%, triggering its third trading halt of the week, with SK Hynix down 9.1% and Samsung down 6.2%. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 fell 4.3%, Taiwan's TAIEX dropped 3.6%, and TSMC fell 2.1%. Apple shares fell 6.1% on Thursday. Separately, reports that OpenAI may delay its public listing until 2027 hit Softbank, which dropped 12.5% in Tokyo. Analysts warn stretched valuations and supply chain fears are amplifying market sensitivity.
City AMAsian Tech Stocks Plunge as Apple and Microsoft Pass AI Chip Costs to Consumers
On June 25, 2026, Apple and Microsoft announced price increases on key products, citing surging AI chip costs. Apple raised MacBook and iPad prices by up to $300, and Microsoft announced Xbox price hikes of $100-$150. Their shares fell 6% and 3.5% respectively, confirming investor fears that AI chip shortages are now directly impacting consumer prices. The following day, Asian markets suffered a broad selloff: SoftBank Group dropped over 12%, South Korea's SK Hynix and Samsung fell over 4%, and Japan's Advantest lost more than 6%. The KOSPI index dropped from 8,930 to around 8,600. Analysts warned that further declines in big tech could hinder broader market gains. SoftBank faces additional pressure from reports that OpenAI may delay its IPO to 2027, affecting its major investment. Some relief came from Micron's strong earnings and Qualcomm's AI chip deal with Meta, but the overall sentiment remained negative.
Yahoo FinanceSoftBank sinks 11% as Asia tech rout tracks declines in the U.S.
SoftBank Group plunged more than 11% on Friday, leading a broad selloff in Asian technology stocks amid mounting concerns over the rising cost of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The decline followed a fourth straight session of losses on the Nasdaq Composite, which fell 0.46% as Apple dropped 6% after announcing price increases for MacBook and iPad products due to higher component costs. Microsoft also fell 3.5% after raising Xbox console prices. The weakness spilled into Asia's semiconductor sector, with South Korea's SK Hynix falling over 3%, Samsung Electronics losing nearly 3%, and Japan's Advantest declining over 6%. The selloff reflects growing fears that soaring semiconductor prices could squeeze margins for major technology companies.
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