Apple raises the student price of its MacBook Neo to $649

Apple has raised the student price of its MacBook Neo laptop from $599 to $649 in the U.S. The change appeared on Apple's online education store within the past week. Students and other eligible buyers now save only $50 off the regular price, down from $100.

What changed

The MacBook Neo launched in March at $499 on the education store. It rose to $599 in June and now sits at $649. That is $150 more than at launch. The regular price went up in June too, from $599 to $699. Apple also raised prices in other countries, in local currencies.

Why Apple says prices are rising

Apple blames a shortage of memory chips. These chips handle RAM, which helps a device run apps smoothly, and storage, where your files live. The shortage has made them much more expensive. Apple has also raised prices this year on iPhones, iPads, other Macs and additional products.

What to expect

A family shopping for a school laptop should plan for a higher bill. The material does not say whether Apple will raise prices again, or how long the chip shortage will last. It also does not say whether other education prices will change.

• Student price: $649, up from $599 and $499 at launch
• Regular price: $699, up from $599 in June
• Student discount: $50, down from $100