MacBook Air Shortage Is Getting Worse and Apple Is Already Pushing You Toward the MacBook Pro

Summary

MacBook Air supply has deteriorated significantly since Bloomberg first flagged the shortage two weeks ago. Delivery estimates on Apple’s online store have slipped to 2-3 weeks for standard configurations, with custom builds stretching past September. The 32GB 13-inch model is unavailable for in-store pickup until late September. The root cause is the same industry-wide AI memory crunch that drove Apple’s price increases in June. Apple retail staff are now actively steering customers toward the MacBook Pro, and Apple’s own CFO warned in July that supply constraints will worsen through the quarter. Amazon has stock on several M5 configurations with immediate delivery, some at modest discounts.

Why it matters

If anyone in your household is in the market for a MacBook Air, the window to get one at a reasonable price and without a long wait is right now. Apple has no new MacBook Air coming before next year at the earliest, and that one will just be a spec bump.

HTD Says

If you have been sitting on the fence about a MacBook Air, this is probably the moment to move, because stock is tightening fast and there is no new model coming anytime soon. The MacBook Air has been the Mac that I have recommended to all of my friends and family. In my opinion, it is the perfect, all-around laptop for school, work, and home. It’s lightweight, powerful, and more than capable of handling most tasks thrown at it.

If you can afford it, don’t get the base model. It’s better to get more RAM if your budget allows it. You can always add external storage, but not RAM. While this memory crunch will (eventually) pass, if you are still considering a Mac that will last for several years, get an Air.

That being said, the MacBook Pro is a stellar device. I have the original M1, which still runs amazingly well for all my work (video, writing, coding, AI, and more). It is a jump in price from the Air, but if you can swing it, get a smaller screen and increase the RAM (same recommendation I have for the Air). Watch for sales and keep an eye on inventory!

Source:

9to5Mac