A global memory shortage is beginning to affect Apple’s MacBook Air lineup, with shipment estimates for select configurations extending into late August or early September, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The supply constraints have become significant enough that Apple is reportedly changing how it positions and sells the notebook while component availability remains tight.
Mark Gurman says Apple is directing some customers toward the base MacBook Pro instead of the MacBook Air, something the company has seldom done before. Marketing materials in some regions now include a “MacBook Air subject to availability” message, showing the ongoing supply shortages.
The report says the MacBook Air supply issues stem from the ongoing global memory shortage. Strong demand for memory from AI companies has driven prices higher, prompting industry observers to call the situation “RAMageddon.” Apple has already responded by increasing prices on certain Macs and iPads, while the shortage continues to impact other consumer electronics, including laptops and game consoles.
Supply issues are also affecting other Mac models. The Mac Mini and Mac Studio have seen inconsistent availability at retailers over the past several months, while Apple’s online store continues to show long shipping estimates for some configurations.
Apple introduced Apple Upgrade last week, giving customers a new way to pay for devices through monthly installments over 12 to 36 months. Once the lease ends, they can either purchase the device or return it and move to a newer model. The program arrives just before Apple’s expected September event, where the company is rumored to reveal its first foldable iPhone, potentially called the iPhone Ultra, priced at over $2,000.
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