Is it just wishful thinking?
The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) appears to be extremely difficult to obtain in the run-up to Apple’s WWDC 2022 event, which is only a few days away.
Normally, news of stock shortages for a popular product isn’t good news, especially when it comes to the best laptop you can buy right now, but this has piqued my interest in what Apple might unveil at WWDC.
The M1 model of the MacBook Air is hard to come by right now, according to 9to5Mac(opens in new tab), with shipping estimates in the US for the base model between June 8 and 15.
For high-end MacBook Air models, delivery is expected at the end of June, and many Apple Stores appear to be out of stock until the end of the month.
While this is inconvenient for potential buyers, it may also be beneficial. Supply issues have plagued Apple, causing us to be concerned about the likelihood of new Macs and MacBooks arriving anytime soon, but could this actually make a new MacBook Air (2022) more likely?
Analysis:
OK, so the lack of MacBook Airs currently on the market isn’t conclusive evidence that Apple is working on a successor. Indeed, some may argue that it may prove to be the polar opposite, as the company appears to have no trouble selling any MacBook Air it produces, so why rush with a replacement?
However, it’s been two years since the previous model was released, and it’s past time for Apple to release a successor. There have also been rumours that a new MacBook Air 2022 will be unveiled at WWDC, along with an M2 chip, which will be an upgrade over the excellent Apple–made M1 chip that currently powers the MacBook Air.
If Apple is planning a new MacBook Air, this could explain why stock is running out, as the current model will be replaced. When a new version of an Apple product is released, the older model is typically discontinued.
If Apple does announce the MacBook Air (2022) during its WWDC keynote on June 6, the delay in getting a MacBook Air (M1, 2020) could be fortuitous. It means that people who were planning to purchase the older model can now upgrade to the new version, which will presumably include significant improvements. Apple is also known for releasing new models at the same price as previous models, so the delay could prove to be excellent timing.
