Despite a price increase, MacBook Air models is in short supply. – Apple appeared to be more shielded from the memory problem than the majority of laptop manufacturers for several months. It possessed significant purchasing power, long-term supplier relationships, and sufficient margin to cover growing component costs. Its most popular laptop has now been affected.
MacBook Air availability has significantly tightened throughout Apple’s retail network, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. While some customized models might not arrive until September, other combinations have delivery estimates that extend into late August.
Only a few weeks have passed since Apple increased the cost of the M5 MacBook Air. The price of the 13-inch model increased from $1,099 in March to $1,299 in June. In addition to having to pay an additional $200, buyers might still be forced to wait several weeks to receive the model they truly desire.
Students are being shown the MacBook Pro by Apple.
In response, Apple has already modified its sales approach. According to Bloomberg, the business is focusing more on the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro in its marketing materials and stores, postponing its back-to-school campaign.
The MacBook Air is “subject to availability,” according to certain promos. Since the Air is more affordable, lighter, and capable of handling the majority of coursework, Apple hardly ever discourages students from using it.
Although it costs somewhat more, the MacBook Pro has a better display, more ports, and better sustained performance. It’s possible that Apple wants to get rid of part of that stock before the anticipated M6 update comes out later this year.
From here, things might become worse.
The availability of Mac mini and Mac Studio was initially hampered by the memory shortage. The fact that it has now made its way to the MacBook Air demonstrates how much more pressure Apple’s supply chain is under. One of the three main RAM manufacturers, Samsung, predicts that as AI data centers lock up more output, memory shortages will worsen in 2027 and continue into 2028. Apple may eventually announce another round of pricing increases if RAM and storage continue to rise.
In those circumstances, its new Upgrade leasing program makes more sense. Consumers can pay the remaining balance to keep the Mac, return it, or upgrade it after splitting the cost into monthly installments. A $1,299 MacBook Air is not made any less expensive by the program. It merely provides Apple with a more gentle means of selling hardware that is getting more and more expensive.
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