Key Takeaways:
A severe global shortage in memory chips is forcing Apple to postpone the launch of at least two major Mac updates, with the next Mac Studio now expected around October and a touch screen MacBook Pro pushed into early 2027.
The updated launch windows represent a delay of several months for both machines, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The new Mac Studio was previously anticipated around the middle of 2026, while the redesigned MacBook Pro was slated for late 2026.
The Mac Studio delay pushes its arrival to at least October of this year. For the MacBook Pro, the timeline shifts from late 2026 to the end of January 2027. The primary cause is a supply chain crunch for DRAM and NAND flash, as memory manufacturers prioritize lucrative, high-volume orders from companies building AI servers. This has left less supply for consumer electronics, leading to soaring component costs and production bottlenecks for companies like Apple.
This delay affects what are expected to be significant updates to the Mac lineup. The new Mac Studio is set to unify the machine under a single chip generation, featuring M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors. The current model uses a mismatched combination of M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. The M5 Ultra, expected to combine two M5 Max chips, could feature up to a 36-core CPU and an 80-core GPU.
The MacBook Pro is poised for a more substantial refresh. The introduction of a touch screen and an OLED display will be headline features, accompanied by new M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, a thinner design, and the Dynamic Island. Apple’s software update, macOS 27, is expected to be ready this fall with a touch-friendly interface to support the new hardware.
While Apple has navigated the memory shortage better than many rivals, it has not been immune. The company has already raised prices on some Mac models and discontinued certain configurations with higher RAM amounts. The supply crunch could also impact pricing for the new models. While no price increases have been rumored for the Mac Studio, which starts at $1,999, Apple has previously increased prices on other M5-based Macs, offsetting the hike with more starting storage.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
