Memory shortage is already hitting the MacBook Air, Apple’s best-selling Mac
The MacBook Air, the best-selling computer in Apple’s catalog, has become the latest victim of the global memory shortage. As reported by Mark Gurman in Bloombergbuying one of these laptops through the Apple website now involves wait until the second half of Augustand in some configurations, until September.
Until now, the shortage of components had mainly affected the most minority models in the catalog, the Mac mini and the Mac Studio. That the problem now reaches the MacBook Air is much more relevant, since it is the laptop that concentrates most of the sales of the entire Mac range.
Apple tries to alleviate the problem in two ways, both already known in the rest of its catalog. The first is the price increase that was applied a few weeks ago on Mac and iPad, motivated by the same increase in memory prices required by the demand for AI infrastructure. The second consists of search for memory from Chinese suppliersalthough that solution, according to Gurman, would only benefit equipment sold within China.
Apple removes its own MacBook Air commercially
Apple’s back-to-school promotion, usual every June, was delayed this year precisely due to memory shortages. When it finally arrived, the company chose to direct buyers toward the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip in its basic configuration, rather than towards the Air, something it had rarely done before.
Some promotional material now includes an Apple-unusual notice: “Subject to availability.” It is a way of openly acknowledging that stock is not guaranteedsomething the company almost never admits so directly about one of its best-selling products.
The M6 calendar explains part of the rush
Behind this push towards the MacBook Pro there is also a calendar reason. Apple would be interested in selling as many units of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 as possible before the arrival of its renewal with M6 chipscheduled for this fall.
This update will be limited exclusively to the 14-inch model, without Pro or Max variants, explains Gurman. These more powerful versions would not arrive until the second half of 2027, already under the nomenclature M7 Pro and M7 Max. He MacBook Air with M6 chip Nor would it be expected before next year, leaving the current model without a successor in the short term despite its scarcity.
It must be remembered that Apple has traditionally been one of the best prepared companies to overcome supply crises, thanks to its ability to negotiate with suppliers and its massive orders in advance. In fact, in the midst of the memory crisis, the company still had room to launch the MacBook Neo, a 699 euro laptop with which it was surprised by competing in the low-end of the market.
But that it is now forced to raise prices in its catalog, cut configurations of Mac mini and Mac Studio, and remove its best-selling laptop from the commercial market, makes it clear that not even Apple is immune to a shortage of components that, according to the sector’s own projections, still has a long way to go.
