Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Apple's MacBook Air Faces Global Chip Shortage
Apple’s most popular laptop, the MacBook Air, is hard to find right now because the chips it needs are in short supply.
The shortage is caused by many AI companies buying a special type of memory called HBM2 DRAM.
Because of this, Apple has to raise prices and is looking for new suppliers in China.
Customers who order a MacBook Air online may have to wait until late August or early September.
The problem could last until 2027, making it more expensive to make laptops and phones.
Global chip shortage, driven by AI demand, has hit Apple's MacBook Air supply.
Apple is struggling to keep MacBook Air in stock; delivery dates pushed to late August/early September.
Apple has raised prices for MacBook Air and other products to offset rising memory and storage costs.
The company is sourcing memory from Chinese suppliers and prioritizing MacBook Pro sales to clear inventory.
The shortage may persist until 2027, potentially raising production costs for consumer electronics.
- Who
- Apple Inc.
- What
- Supply shortage of the MacBook Air
- When
- Late August or early September delivery dates; shortage may continue until 2027
- Where
- Apple retail stores worldwide, including the US and India
- Why
- Global chip shortage driven by high demand for HBM2 DRAM from AI companies
- Product
- MacBook Air
- Shortage cause
- Global chip shortage
- Affected components
- HBM2 DRAM, SSD, DDR5 RAM
- Price increase
- Up to ₹40,000 in India, $200 in US
- Delivery delay
- Late August/early September
