APPLE’S MACBOOK AIR: A VICTIM OF RAMAGEDDON
In a recent development, Apple’s MacBook Air has found itself at the mercy of the ongoing global memory chip shortage, popularly known as RAMageddon. This shortage, which has been affecting the prices of various electronic devices, has now led to a shortage of the MacBook Air.
A PRICE HIKE THAT DIDN’T BRING RELIEF
Just a few weeks ago, Apple raised the price of the MacBook Air by $200 due to the memory chip shortage. However, this move has not brought any respite to consumers, as the shortage has now resulted in a scarcity of the laptop. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is struggling to keep the MacBook Air in stock, and shipments of new units are more constrained than ever before.
EVIDENCE OF THE SHORTAGE
The shortage of the MacBook Air is evident in Apple’s online storefront, where all configurations of the current 13- and 15-inch M5 MacBook Air are backordered until early September. This indicates that the shortage is not limited to a specific model or configuration, but is a widespread issue affecting all versions of the laptop. Moreover, the wait time for the laptop is directly proportional to the amount of RAM it has, with more RAM resulting in a longer wait.
THIRD-PARTY RETAILERS FEEL THE HEAT
While third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are still advertising one- to seven-day shipping for their in-stock MacBook Airs, this could change as their inventories dwindle. As the shortage worsens, consumers may find it increasingly difficult to get their hands on the laptop.
APPLE’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL OFFER
In an effort to mitigate the shortage, Apple is reportedly pushing the $1,999 base M5 MacBook Pro in favor of the Air as part of its back-to-school offer. However, some of the company’s ads for the promotion include a “MacBook Air subject to availability” disclaimer, indicating that the laptop’s availability is uncertain.
THE GLOBAL MEMORY CHIP SHORTAGE
The global memory chip shortage, also known as RAMageddon, is a result of a surge in AI data center construction, which has led to a shortage of RAM and SSD storage chips. This shortage has had a ripple effect on the prices of various electronic devices, including laptops and consumer tech devices. Apple has implemented price increases to cope with the shortage and has also removed some configurations of its Mac Mini and Mac Studio desktops from its online store.
APPLE’S RESPONSE
Despite the shortage, Apple’s bottom line has not been severely affected. In its Q3 earnings call, outgoing CEO Tim Cook said that Macs had their “best June quarter yet,” with revenue for the category jumping 29 percent year-over-year. However, the company is reportedly lobbying the Trump administration for approval to buy memory components from a blacklisted Chinese chipmaker as a means of relief.
THE FUTURE OF THE MACBOOK AIR
As the global memory chip shortage continues to affect the availability of the MacBook Air, consumers may have to wait longer to get their hands on the laptop. While Apple’s efforts to mitigate the shortage are ongoing, the future of the MacBook Air remains uncertain. Only time will tell if the company can find a solution to this problem and restore the laptop’s availability.