Apple MacBook Air Shortage Deepens As Buyers Are Redirected To MacBook Pro

Apple's MacBook Air has become increasingly difficult to buy following its recent price increase from $1,099 to $1,299. Customers placing an order now may have to wait until the end of August to receive the laptop, according to retail sources cited by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The limited availability is affecting both Apple's online store and retail locations, where the company is reportedly taking the unusual step of directing customers toward another model instead of its most popular lightweight notebook.

The supply squeeze comes as Apple continues to navigate broader component challenges while demand for its products remains strong. The situation follows the company's recent warning that supply constraints could affect upcoming financial results.

MacBook Air Supply Issues Push Buyers Toward MacBook Pro

According to Gurman, Apple is prominently recommending the entry-level MacBook Pro over the MacBook Air across its retail channels.

"Across its website and retail stores, Apple is prominently steering customers toward the base MacBook Pro instead of the Air — something it has rarely, if ever, done," Gurman wrote. "In some marketing materials, it even includes a warning: 'MacBook Air subject to availability.'"

Such messaging is uncommon for Apple, which has historically maintained steady inventory for its MacBook lineup.

Memory Constraints And Product Strategy Affect Availability

The report links the MacBook Air shortage in part to the ongoing "Ramageddon" memory shortage driven by growing demand from AI data centers.

Gurman also reported that Apple is prioritizing production of the 14-inch MacBook Pro as it works through existing inventory ahead of an expected M6 refresh for that lineup.

Although Apple exceeded Wall Street expectations in its most recent earnings report, the company cautioned investors that supply limitations could affect earnings in the next quarter and potentially lead to additional price increases.

At the same time, Apple's recently introduced Apple Upgrade program could further increase demand across its hardware portfolio, including the MacBook family.