MacBook Air shortages are getting worse, here’s where to buy one

Apple is facing ongoing supply constraints that are causing MacBooks Air shortages to worsen. The MacBook Air, both in 13-inch and 15-inch configurations, is increasingly difficult to find, with delivery estimates of 2-3 weeks or in-store pickup availability only during the first week of September. Higher-end configurations with larger amounts of RAM and storage are even more constrained, with some taking over a month to ship, and pickup not available in the last week of September.

The shortages are attributed to industry-wide memory constraints, with Apple actively pushing shoppers towards the MacBook Pro. Apple retail employees report that shipments of the MacBook Air are more constrained than they have ever experienced before. CFO Kevan Parekh warned during Apple's recent earnings call that supply constraints affecting iPhone, iPad, and Mac will worsen as the quarter progresses.

While Apple's online store still has availability, configurations are quoting delivery estimates of 2-3 weeks. However, availability seems to be better from some of Apple's retail partners, such as Amazon, where there are a handful of MacBook Air models available with immediate delivery and even some discounted below Apple's normal price.

Select configurations of the M5 MacBook Air are also available via Apple's Certified Refurbished Store with immediate shipment and a one-year warranty, 14-day return policy, and eligibility for AppleCare.

As Apple's supply shortages are expected to worsen before they improve, it is recommended to buy a MacBook Air sooner rather than later. The earliest a new MacBook Air is expected to launch is next year, and it will just be a spec bump.