The global memory chip shortage has extended its reach, now affecting Apple’s MacBook Air, according to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The issue, which is primarily due to the high demand from AI companies for memory chips, means that purchasing a MacBook Air might take longer than expected.

Apple is currently experiencing stock shortages so severe that customers are being told they may have to wait until mid-August or even September for their orders, depending on their configuration choices. This suggests that the shortage isn't just an inconvenience but could be quite significant in terms of supply chain issues.

In response, Apple has raised prices and is attempting to source more memory from Chinese suppliers, but these measures may not fully address the immediate shortages. Additionally, the company’s back-to-school promotion has been delayed until July instead of June as originally planned. This move appears aimed at managing consumer expectations around product availability.

The marketing materials for the latest MacBook Pro promotion are notably different too. The focus is more on the base model, and a warning even hints that the MacBook Air may not always be available. Such shifts in strategy might indicate a broader adjustment to the current market conditions faced by Apple.