The global memory shortage hits the MacBook Air
Apple's global memory chip shortage has spread from its niche desktop models to its best-selling laptop, the MacBook Air, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The shortage, driven by demand from AI companies for memory chips, had already squeezed supply of the Mac mini and Mac Studio, but retailers now report tighter-than-usual constraints on the MacBook Air, Apple's most popular computer, signalling the issue is becoming more widespread across its product line.
Buyers ordering a MacBook Air from Apple's website currently face waits until late August, or September for some configurations. Apple is reportedly responding by raising prices and sourcing memory from Chinese suppliers, while also delaying its back-to-school promotion from June and shifting marketing emphasis towards the base MacBook Pro, with materials now warning that the MacBook Air is "subject to availability."
In short
- Chip shortage, fuelled by AI demand, now hits MacBook Air supply
- Apple website orders face waits until late August or September
- Apple raising prices, sourcing Chinese memory, delaying promotions
Explained simply
The MacBook Air is Apple’s best-selling laptop, aimed at everyday use, while the Mac mini and Mac Studio are desktop computers. All rely on memory chips, which help computers run apps and handle data.
Memory chips are also used in the computing equipment behind artificial intelligence services. Demand from AI companies has tightened supply, affecting how readily computer makers can obtain the chips. A shortage can limit the number of devices available or affect their price.
Apple designs and sells its computers, while retailers sell them to customers and report on stock levels. If supplies are constrained across more of Apple’s range, the effects may reach more buyers and shape which models are easiest to find.