Apple’s MacBook Air shortage is getting worse as memory crunch hits supply
Apple’s popular MacBook Air lineup is reportedly facing a serious supply shortage, and the problem appears to be tied directly to the ongoing rise in DRAM and memory costs. The issue has already pushed Apple to raise Mac prices across several models, but now the situation is becoming more difficult for buyers who want one of the company’s most affordable and widely used laptops.
According to recent industry reporting, multiple MacBook Air configurations are becoming harder to find, with some models not expected to be widely available until September. That is a major problem for Apple, especially because the MacBook Air has long been one of its strongest sellers among students, professionals, and everyday users looking for a lightweight laptop with strong battery life and Apple Silicon performance.
The shortage is reportedly linked to the broader memory supply crunch affecting the technology industry. Apple is said to be working on ways to reduce the pressure, including preparing to source memory from Chinese suppliers. However, that strategy may only help MacBook Air models sold inside China, meaning buyers in other markets could still face limited availability for some time.
Apple has also increased prices by a couple hundred dollars across parts of the Mac lineup, a move believed to be connected to the higher cost of memory components. While price hikes are never welcome, the bigger concern for many customers may now be whether they can buy the MacBook Air configuration they actually want.
With MacBook Air inventory under pressure, Apple appears to be shifting its sales focus toward the entry-level 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro. The company is reportedly trying to move as many base 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro units as possible before the expected arrival of the M6 MacBook Pro refresh later this year.
This strategy makes sense from Apple’s perspective. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is more expensive than the MacBook Air, and steering customers toward that model could help Apple maintain Mac sales while Air supply remains constrained. It may also help clear inventory ahead of the next-generation M6 model.
However, customers waiting for more powerful M6 Pro and M6 Max versions may need to be patient. The upcoming M6 upgrade is expected to apply only to the 14-inch MacBook Pro refresh, while higher-end Pro and Max chip variants are not expected to launch at the same time. Instead, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce MacBook Pro models with M7 Pro and M7 Max chips in the second half of 2027.
The M6 MacBook Air is also expected to arrive later, likely sometime next year rather than alongside the first M6 MacBook Pro. That means the current MacBook Air lineup may remain in place for a while, but availability could continue to be a challenge if the memory shortage does not improve.
Apple’s back-to-school promotion also shows how serious the supply issue has become. The promotion, which usually begins in June, was reportedly delayed because of the same memory shortage affecting MacBook Air production. In Apple’s stores and online materials, customers are now being directed more prominently toward the base MacBook Pro instead of the MacBook Air, which is unusual for the company’s education-focused marketing.
Some promotional materials even include a warning that the MacBook Air is “subject to availability.” That kind of message is a clear signal that Apple does not have enough inventory to meet normal demand across all configurations.
The timing is not ideal. The MacBook Air is especially popular during the back-to-school season, when students and families look for a reliable laptop before the academic year begins. If buyers cannot find the model they want, they may either choose the more expensive MacBook Pro or wait until stock improves.
Industry watchers believe the memory shortage could continue for years, with some forecasts suggesting supply pressure may last until 2028. If that happens, Apple and other major hardware companies could face ongoing production challenges, higher component costs, and less predictable product availability.
For now, buyers who need a MacBook Air immediately may still have some options through major retailers. Select 13-inch and 15-inch M5 MacBook Air configurations are reportedly still available with timely shipping, and some models may be offered with a $100 discount depending on color and configuration. The smaller model has been listed around $1,199, while the larger 15-inch version has been listed around $1,399.
Still, anyone planning to buy a MacBook Air soon may want to act quickly. With memory supply tight, prices rising, and Apple pushing more attention toward the 14-inch MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air could remain difficult to find in certain configurations for the coming months.
