M1 MacBook Air Availability Dwindles at Walmart

The M1 MacBook Air has become largely unavailable at Walmart, with shipping options out of stock and limited units remaining for in-store pickup in some areas. Walmart initially began selling new M1 MacBook Air models in March 2024.

Initially priced at $699, the laptops later saw a price drop to $599, and were even occasionally available for $549 during specific sales events.

Possible Explanations Emerge

Several possibilities are being proposed to explain the recent reduction in availability.

Production Halt Due to Memory Prices?

One explanation suggests that Apple may have ceased production of new M1 MacBook Air units. This theory points to increasing memory prices as the primary factor, making it less financially viable to sell the laptops at their previous aggressive price points.

The rising cost of memory could make continued production of the M1 MacBook Air unprofitable, especially when considering the M4 MacBook Air has been intermittently available for as low as $749.

Anticipating a New Budget MacBook?

Another theory considers the potential release of a new budget-priced MacBook. This could involve an older M2 or M3 MacBook Air model for a new deal with Walmart, or the long-rumored 12-inch MacBook featuring an Apple A-series processor (typically found in iPhones and iPads).

However, the current high cost of memory is noted as a significant challenge to the profitability of any new budget MacBook offering.