TWiT 1090: Flock of SQLs - Apple & Microsoft Grapple With Soaring Hardware Prices

TWiT 1090: Flock of SQLs - Apple & Microsoft Grapple With Soaring Hardware Prices

June 28, 2026 · 2h 41m · Episode 1090

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of AI-fueled memory shortages on hardware prices and the technology industry.

Tech giants and chipmakers are facing off as AI-fueled memory shortages trigger sweeping price hikes on everything from Macs to game consoles. Hear why global supply chain standoffs, long-term contracts, and old-school market forces are quietly reshaping your daily technology. • Apple and Microsoft hike prices on devices amid global memory shortages • Surge in AI data centers drives RAM and storage crisis • Intel's comeback: Core Ultra chips compete with AMD in handheld gaming • Microsoft's pivot to ARM, Qualcomm-NVIDIA alliance, and x86 rivalry • AI fear and backlash; organic concern amplified by international actors • White House abruptly pulls Anthropic's Fable model, sparking industry uproar • US government U-turns on AI regulation, restricts top models to select partners • Tension over AI innovation vs. regulatory "rug pull" and global competition • Smart home chaos: Matter 1.6 standard, Samsung and Level Lock shake-up • Debate over local vs. cloud smart home control and API access fees • Ring and Flock cameras ignite privacy and surveillance state concerns • Social media bans for under-16s fail in Australia, UK, and Norway plan similar rules • BBC Radio 4 long wave…

People in this episode

Host: Leo Laporte

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Apple, Microsoft, Intel, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Anthropic, Meta, Ford

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