- Apple's MacBook Pro M4 Max is facing delays of up to two months
- The 128GB RAM configuration won't ship until March for consumers
- It's likely due to the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook launch rumored for early 2026
The PC hardware market is in a state of turmoil due to the RAM crisis, causing prices to skyrocket across the board, but that hasn't impacted Apple just yet. Instead, recent developments may be proof of something bigger on the horizon.
As reported by MacRumors, Apple's MacBook Pro M4 Max is facing delays of up to two months, specifically in the US, as common 36GB RAM and higher configurations have delivery estimates set for early February.
Notably, the 128GB RAM configuration will reportedly see waiting times up to March, a significantly long waiting period for delivery. While this might instantly seem like a red flag and a potential impact from the ongoing RAM crisis, it's more likely due to Apple's focus on the M5 Pro and M5 Max.
Both chips are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, which would explain why delivery estimates are further ahead than usual for M4 Max MacBook Pro models.
Now that's not to say that Apple is immune to any potential impact from rising prices due to RAM.
In case you've missed it, most reputable PC manufacturers like Asus, Nvidia, and AMD are shifting strategies to cater to AI, leading to numerous rumors of GPU discontinuations.
Fortunately, though, Apple is expected to handle DRAM costs in 2026 to avoid increasing retailer prices, and hopefully that extends to the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook once those models launch.
Apple's MacBooks also use unified memory, which is on the same chip as the GPU and CPU. While this doesn't mean the chipset is untouchable in this current unstable market, it's certainly safer than other manufacturers who are having to make major compromises on hardware.
Analysis: Apple might be safe, but other PC manufacturers are in trouble
It looks like this RAM crisis may indeed run on throughout 2026, as the focus on AI is showing little to no signs of slowing down. I'm glad Apple is safe for now, because MacBook Pros are already costly as it is – but the rest of the PC hardware market is in such an unstable state.
It's worth noting that Nvidia hasn't completely abandoned its efforts to provide for RTX GPU users, especially with the recent launch of DLSS 4.5. However, the shift to a focus on AI is very evident, and the same goes for third-party manufacturers.
Desktop and laptop GPUs are one thing, but Micron recently shut down its popular brand, Crucial, to focus on selling RAM to AI companies. While that doesn't mean Crucial RAM is forever gone, it's an indication that the AI bubble is massive, and it seems as though some manufacturers will stop at nothing to profit from it.
I fear that the longer this crisis continues, the more collateral damage will continue, and that's not great news for any consumer.
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Source: TechRadar
