Arduino Uno Q Microcomputer Gets a Price Hike Due to Memory Crisis
The Arduino Uno Q, a Raspberry Pi-like microcomputer, is getting a price increase this week. The 2GB version will cost $59 (up from $44), while the 4GB version will be $79 (up from $59). The increases take effect on July 6.
The Arduino Uno Q, the company's microcomputer similar to the Raspberry Pi, is joining a wave of devices getting price hikes. The 2GB model, powered by a Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 processor, will increase from $44 to $59, while the 4GB version sees a steeper rise from $59 to $79. If you've been considering the Uno Q as a cheaper alternative to Raspberry Pi's current lineup, you have just over a week to grab either version at the current price, as the increases take effect on July 6th.
In a letter shared on the official Arduino blog, the company's chief product officer Marcello Majonchi stated that Arduino's "memory component costs have more than doubled" over the last six months, "fueled by the enduring demand for AI applications." The company has so far been able to hold off on raising prices "thanks to support from Qualcomm," which purchased Arduino last October, but "with no near-term signs of relief in memory supply or pricing, continuing to absorb these costs is no longer possible."
Yesterday, Apple raised prices on a wide range of its hardware, including MacBooks, iPads, and smart home devices like the HomePod speaker, in response to ongoing memory and storage shortages. Several hours later, Microsoft announced it was raising prices on Xbox consoles again, with 512GB models getting a $100 increase and 1TB versions increasing by $150.
