Apple Shifts Focus to 14-Inch MacBook Pro as MacBook Air Faces Inventory Shortage

Apple is reportedly emphasizing sales of its entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro as it prepares for an M6-chip refresh later this year. The shift aims to free production capacity for the new model, according to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman.

Gurman said Apple is dealing with a shortage of DRAM memory that has forced price increases across its Mac lineup and has constrained availability of several M5-chip MacBook Air configurations until September. He added that Apple is sourcing memory from Chinese suppliers for devices sold in that market and has delayed its back-to-school promotion because of the same shortage.

"From what I’ve heard, the MacBook Air shortage is indeed tied to the ongoing memory crunch. Apple has been working to alleviate the issue by preparing to source memory from Chinese suppliers, at least for devices sold in that country. It’s also been raising prices by a couple hundred dollars across the lineup. And I’ve heard the company is prioritizing sales of the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, in part to clear the way for an M6 refresh coming this fall. I don’t expect a new MacBook Air until a bit later."

Apple appears to be directing customers toward the base 14-inch MacBook Pro on its website and in retail stores, a strategy it has rarely used before. The upcoming M6 MacBook Pro is expected to be limited to the 14-inch size, with M6 Pro and Max variants slated for later releases. An M7 Pro and M7 Max lineup is projected for the second half of 2027, and an M6-based MacBook Air is anticipated next year.

Despite the shortage, some third-party retailers such as Amazon continue to offer select M5 MacBook Air models with limited discounts, though inventory remains constrained.