Global Storage Crisis Drives Up Apple External SSD Prices

A global shortage of memory chips, impacting both RAM and SSD production, is now significantly affecting the price and availability of external storage solutions sold through Apple’s online store. Prices for third-party storage accessories, including those from SanDisk, LaCie and Promise, have surged, with many models currently listed as unavailable for online purchase.

Price Increases and Limited Availability

The price hikes are particularly noticeable for SanDisk products. A SanDisk 4TB Professional Pro-G40 portable SSD, for example, now costs $1,199.95, a 140% increase from its previous price of $499.95, and up from a launch price of $399.95. PCMag and TechSpot both reported on these substantial price increases. Smaller capacity drives have also seen significant jumps; a 1TB SanDisk SSD has tripled in cost, rising from around $120 to $360. A 2TB version now costs $600.

Currently, most third-party storage accessories are sold out on Apple’s website, with a note indicating potential availability in physical Apple Stores. However, even in-store availability is not guaranteed. Apple’s own SSD upgrade kits for the Mac Pro remain in stock, priced at $1,000 for 2TB, $1,600 for 4TB, and $2,800 for 8TB.

The Root of the Problem: A Global Storage Crisis

The price increases are a direct result of a broader global storage crisis affecting the production of RAM and SSDs. This crisis is fueled by the increasing demand for memory chips driven by the expansion of data centers and the growing needs of companies deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. PCMag notes that the flash market experienced a glut for 18 months, leading to historic lows in SSD prices, but conditions have reversed as suppliers cut output and demand rebounded.

Impact on Consumers

The rising cost of external storage particularly impacts creative professionals who rely on large capacity drives for tasks like video editing, where built-in memory can be expensive. The trend is expected to extend beyond external storage, with potential price increases for smartphones and other products over the next two years. The increasing memory demands of electric vehicles, particularly those with self-driving capabilities, could further exacerbate the RAM pricing situation, with some cars potentially requiring up to 300GB of storage capacity.

Where to Find Alternatives

While options through Apple’s online store are limited, consumers can explore alternatives. PCMag recommends the Crucial X9 Pro 1TB SSD, currently available for $166.75 through a third-party seller on Amazon, even though this price is higher than previous rates, which occasionally dropped as low as $59.99 in 2023.

Consumers can also explore options directly from manufacturers like LaCie, though availability may vary.