The MacBook Air is currently in short supply, a shortage linked in part to a memory crunch described as 'Ramageddon' caused by high demand from new AI data centers.
The memory chip shortage is affecting the MacBook Air, which is Apple's best-selling laptop model. This shortage previously affected models with a more limited user base, such as the Mac mini and Mac Studio.
Retail sources told Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that orders placed today for a MacBook Air may not be received until the end of August. For many models, delivery dates are currently showing the second half of August, while certain hardware configurations face waiting periods extending into September.
Pricing and Marketing Shifts
MacBook Air prices recently increased from $1,099 to $1,299.
Mark Gurman wrote that Apple is prominently steering customers toward the base MacBook Pro instead of the Air across its website and retail stores, a move he noted the company has rarely, if ever, done. Gurman also stated that Apple is prioritizing the 14-inch MacBook Pro over the MacBook Air to clear stock ahead of an M6 refresh for the former lineup.
Corporate Outlook and Supply Efforts
Apple warned investors and buyers that supply constraints could impact earnings in the next quarter and force further price increases. The company is currently working on price adjustments and aims to secure more supply from memory manufacturers in China.
Apple's new Upgrade program, introduced last week, may drive higher demand for Apple products, including the MacBook lineup.
MacBook Air subject to availability.
