The global memory shortage hits the MacBook Air

The global memory chip shortage is affecting the availability of Apple’s most popular Mac, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Gurman said the shortage — caused by the demands of chip-hungry AI companies — had already affected Apple’s more niche computers, the Mac mini and Mac Studio. But it seems the company is now struggling to keep the MacBook Air in stock, with retailers saying that supply seems to be more constrained than ever before.

Indeed, anyone trying to buy a MacBook Air from the Apple website will have to wait until the back half of August — or for certain configurations, until September.

Gurman says Apple is working to address the issue by raising prices and sourcing memory from Chinese suppliers. Meanwhile, the company delayed its latest back-to-school promotion from June. And for the first time, the marketing material is more focused on the base model of the MacBook Pro. It even warns, “MacBook Air subject to availability.”