Apple's most popular laptop is now caught in the crossfire of a global memory chip crunch, with supply constraints pushing MacBook Air deliveries into late summer or even September for some configurations. Retailers report that stock levels for the machine are tighter than they have ever been, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The shortage, driven by soaring demand from AI companies that are gobbling up memory chips, has already disrupted Apple's more niche desktops—the Mac mini and Mac Studio. Now the impact has spread to the MacBook Air, a device that anchors Apple's consumer lineup. Main Developments Anyone ordering a MacBook Air directly from Apple's website today faces a wait until the back half of August, with certain configurations slipping into September. Retailers have echoed that assessment, telling Gurman that supply has become unusually scarce. Read also: Why Malaysia's Network School shutdown reveals a bigger tech trend Apple has responded by raising prices on the affected models and sourcing memory from Chinese suppliers, a shift that could alter its supply chain dynamics. The company also postponed its annual back-to-school promotion, which typically launches in June, a sign that inventory is too tight for a major sales push. For the first time, Apple's marketing materials are steering attention toward the base model MacBook Pro, and they now include a blunt warning on the MacBook Air page: “MacBook Air subject to availability.” Background Memory chips have been in short supply for months as AI companies race to secure the high-bandwidth memory needed for training and running large models. That demand has siphoned production capacity away from consumer-grade components, creating a ripple effect across the hardware industry. Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio were the first casualties, with the company acknowledging shortages earlier this year. The MacBook Air's inclusion marks a significant escalation, as it is Apple's best-selling Mac and a gateway product for many first-time buyers. This is not the first time Apple has navigated a chip crunch. During the pandemic-era semiconductor shortage, the company used its purchasing power to secure supply ahead of rivals, but the current AI-driven demand has proven more stubborn. Why It Matters For consumers, the shortage means higher prices and longer waits for a device that has become a default choice for students and professionals alike. The delayed back-to-school promotion could push some buyers to competitors or force them to settle for a MacBook Pro they didn't plan on purchasing. Apple's pivot to Chinese memory suppliers is a notable strategic shift, especially given ongoing geopolitical tensions around tech supply chains. It suggests that even Apple's legendary supply chain management is struggling to insulate its products from the AI boom's collateral damage. The situation also highlights a broader trend: AI's hardware appetite is reshaping not just data centers but the consumer electronics market, with everyday gadgets bearing the cost. What's Next Apple is expected to continue adjusting pricing and sourcing strategies as it works to stabilize supply. The back-to-school promotion, now delayed, could arrive later in the year if inventory improves, but no new date has been announced. Industry watchers will be monitoring whether the shortage extends to other Mac models or forces Apple to prioritize production of the MacBook Pro over the Air. For now, prospective buyers should expect the August-September wait times to hold, and possibly extend, if AI demand for memory chips continues unabated.