Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro inventory dwindles ahead of possible update at WWDC

AppleInsider · May 24, 2018 8:26PM

A number of MacBook and MacBook Pro models are showing up in Apple's online store as sold out but available for delivery after June 4, suggesting that a refresh of some lines could be announced during June's WWDC event.

Attempts to order a MacBook equipped with a Core i7 processor through the online Apple Store in the U.S. reveals there is no more stock of that model available to buy immediately for delivery, AppleInsider has discovered. While the models can still be ordered, it is noted the free delivery option period starts from June 4 and runs until June 6.

In some cases, it is also not possible to get the Core i7 MacBook models via an in-store pickup until June 6. A search for the Core i7 MacBook model in the United Kingdom has similar availability issues, with shipments between June 5 and June 7 available, but not arriving any earlier.

A browse of the MacBook Pro range indicates the 13-inch models equipped with a 2.3GHz Core i5 processor only have shipments available from June 4, with local delivery varying. Other models of MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro are able to be bought with normal earlier delivery estimates.

The lack of availability of models in the online Apple Store, as well as low stock in some stores, could be interpreted as an indication Apple is making changes to its stock levels ahead of a product line refresh or introduction of a new model. As the WWDC 2018 keynote is taking place on June 4, the timing of the shipments coinciding with the developer conference strongly suggests the MacBooks in question will be the subject of some announcement at the event.

Apple has been rumored to have new MacBook Pro models ready for WWDC with Intel's Coffee Lake processor. However, the Cannon Lake processors allowing the unit to have 32GB of LPDDR4 RAM without switching to DDR4 RAM likely won't ship until late in 2018 and possibly early 2019.

lewchenko · May 24, 2018 8:47PM

Roll on June 4th.

Note though that Dell's new XPS 15 is available with an 8th gen core i9 and 32Gb of DDR4 memory.

Whether you think that machine is comparable to a MacBook Pro is another matter. It's certainly priced like one in the UK and has all the bells and whistles you would expect like 4K screen (review I read said 100% gamut, and bright too)

Just saying .. 32Gb is doable now. In the few reviews I've read battery life isn't compromised either.

Apple doesn't have to wait.

Now if they can't do it because it would make the machine a few mm thicker... then I won't be happy.

And I'll say it again... hoping they ditch the butterfly keyboard. Apparently that Dell has a similar one too which massively puts me off.

Mike Wuerthele · May 24, 2018 8:56PM

lewchenko said:

Roll on June 4th.

Note though that Dell's new XPS 15 is available with an 8th gen core i9 and 32Gb of DDR4 memory.

Whether you think that machine is comparable to a MacBook Pro is another matter. It's certainly priced like one in the UK and has all the bells and whistles you would expect like 4K screen (review I read said 100% gamut, and bright too)

Just saying .. 32Gb is doable now. In the few reviews I've read battery life isn't compromised either.

Apple doesn't have to wait.

Now if they can't do it because it would make the machine a few mm thicker... then I won't be happy.

And I'll say it again... hoping they ditch the butterfly keyboard. Apparently that Dell has a similar one too which massively puts me off.

32GB has been doable for a bit, and was when the 2016 MBP shipped -- but with DDR4 RAM, and not LPDDR3 or LPDDR4.

indiekiduk · May 24, 2018 9:09PM

A bump at WWDC is about as likely as them adding the ports and keyboard back

AppleUserSince2006 · May 24, 2018 9:14PM

looking forward to the new 45W, 6 core model being available

I hope they reintroduce the nVidia dGPU but its unlikely, been waiting since 2014 for it !! If not present, it might be time going back to a malware machine (windows).

The best workaround would be new MBP and a eGPU using a Nvidia card using "beta" drivers.

avon b7 · May 24, 2018 9:15PM

A few weeks ago, the MBA was on sale (piles of them) for 882€ at MediaMarkts in Barcelona.

vadimyuryev · May 24, 2018 9:15PM

avon b7 said:

A few weeks ago, the MBA was on sale (piles of them) for 882€ at MediaMarkts in Barcelona.

Fingers crossed!

fastasleep · May 24, 2018 9:34PM

I’m not sure why people expect the Air to get a significant update. I am fairly certain it’s only around until they can bring the MacBook down to $999.

mavemufc · May 24, 2018 9:51PM

Good, been looking forward to the next generation of Pros for a while now.

Soli · May 24, 2018 10:04PM

Mike Wuerthele said:

lewchenko said:

Roll on June 4th.

Note though that Dell's new XPS 15 is available with an 8th gen core i9 and 32Gb of DDR4 memory.

Whether you think that machine is comparable to a MacBook Pro is another matter. It's certainly priced like one in the UK and has all the bells and whistles you would expect like 4K screen (review I read said 100% gamut, and bright too)

Just saying .. 32Gb is doable now. In the few reviews I've read battery life isn't compromised either.

Apple doesn't have to wait.

Now if they can't do it because it would make the machine a few mm thicker... then I won't be happy.

And I'll say it again... hoping they ditch the butterfly keyboard. Apparently that Dell has a similar one too which massively puts me off.

32GB has been doable for a bit, and was when the 2016 MBP shipped -- but with DDR4 RAM, and not LPDDR3 or LPDDR4.

I think it's clear that people don't know the LP in LPDDR RAM means.

Soli · May 24, 2018 10:07PM

fastasleep said:

I’m not sure why people expect the Air to get a significant update. I am fairly certain it’s only around until they can bring the MacBook down to $999.

Expect isn't a word I would use, but I would like to see the MBA get less expensive than the MacBook and look pretty much exactly like the MacBook, but run on Apple silicon. I think it's the perfect branding for an ARM-based Mac notebook that isn't using Intel to run macOS.

sflocal · May 24, 2018 11:55PM

But some posters from a different thread have said no one is buying these machines because of defective keyboards! Hence the firesafe prices.

Care to rethink that position, or do you feel more story spinning is necessary?

bshank · May 25, 2018 1:53AM

Soli said:

Mike Wuerthele said:

lewchenko said:

Roll on June 4th.

Note though that Dell's new XPS 15 is available with an 8th gen core i9 and 32Gb of DDR4 memory.

Whether you think that machine is comparable to a MacBook Pro is another matter. It's certainly priced like one in the UK and has all the bells and whistles you would expect like 4K screen (review I read said 100% gamut, and bright too)

Just saying .. 32Gb is doable now. In the few reviews I've read battery life isn't compromised either.

Apple doesn't have to wait.

Now if they can't do it because it would make the machine a few mm thicker... then I won't be happy.

And I'll say it again... hoping they ditch the butterfly keyboard. Apparently that Dell has a similar one too which massively puts me off.

32GB has been doable for a bit, and was when the 2016 MBP shipped -- but with DDR4 RAM, and not LPDDR3 or LPDDR4.

I think it's clear that people don't know the LP in LPDDR RAM means.

Little Processor

bobolicious · May 25, 2018 2:20AM

...hope springs eternal for 17" 4k macbook pro...

When I show up with mine now I get ooohs and ahhhs from most - they all love the screen size...

I'd trade a touch bar keyboard for 17" 4k in a nanosecond...

Let the flames begin !

ps. and oh yes - user upgradable ram & storage too please <dammit>...!

mikethemartian · May 25, 2018 3:30AM

bshank said:

Soli said:

Mike Wuerthele said:

lewchenko said:

Roll on June 4th.

Note though that Dell's new XPS 15 is available with an 8th gen core i9 and 32Gb of DDR4 memory.

Whether you think that machine is comparable to a MacBook Pro is another matter. It's certainly priced like one in the UK and has all the bells and whistles you would expect like 4K screen (review I read said 100% gamut, and bright too)

Just saying .. 32Gb is doable now. In the few reviews I've read battery life isn't compromised either.

Apple doesn't have to wait.

Now if they can't do it because it would make the machine a few mm thicker... then I won't be happy.

And I'll say it again... hoping they ditch the butterfly keyboard. Apparently that Dell has a similar one too which massively puts me off.

32GB has been doable for a bit, and was when the 2016 MBP shipped -- but with DDR4 RAM, and not LPDDR3 or LPDDR4.

I think it's clear that people don't know the LP in LPDDR RAM means.

Little Processor

Long Playing record

freethinking · May 25, 2018 9:27AM

When I wake up from dreaming about 32gb+ ram, parts replaceable by pro users, mag safe and plenty of expansion ports; I will find Apple had the "courage" to replace more functional useful technology with gimmicks.

It would be nice if Apple announced a "niche" range of powerful laptops targeted at professionals. Essentially a 2011 mac book pro with modern components.

ascii · May 25, 2018 11:05AM

lewchenko said:

Roll on June 4th.

Note though that Dell's new XPS 15 is available with an 8th gen core i9 and 32Gb of DDR4 memory.

Yep the new XPS 15 is very nice, and also the new Razer Blade 15 (which is even more Macbook Pro like). But I am still going to wait for WWDC.

JinTech · May 26, 2018 3:17AM

indiekiduk said:

A bump at WWDC is about as likely as them adding the ports and keyboard back

You really doubt they will come out with a new machine June 4t? They list a ship date of June 4th, the exact day of the keynote. Would be weird for them not to ship on June 4th.

If they are indeed launching a new machine on June 4th, it will likely be more than a spec bump since they could just do a silent update but since the date falls on the same day as a keynote, they might have something nice planned.

tallest skil · May 26, 2018 4:47AM

JinTech said:
...since the date falls on the same day as a keynote, they might have something nice planned.

I doubt it. Spec bump and maybe a mention of “FaceID on the Mac” or something.

Soli · May 26, 2018 4:52AM

tallest skil said:

JinTech said:
...since the date falls on the same day as a keynote, they might have something nice planned.

I doubt it. Spec bump and maybe a mention of “FaceID on the Mac” or something.

Have they every mentioned a HW feature, like Face ID, without having HW to demo or sell? To me it seems like something they wouldn't announce until they're ready to sell or about to ready to sell, like with a major revamp of a product line, which would exclude a mere spec bump.

tallest skil · May 26, 2018 5:31AM

Soli said:
Have they every mentioned a HW feature, like Face ID, without having HW to demo or sell?

I mean just not a full redesign or anything. It makes sense to have new laptops, but if it’s more than just a spec bump (which it could be; they’ve silently done spec bumps at keynotes before), it would likely be a secondary feature.

To me it seems like something they wouldn’t announce until they’re ready to sell or about to ready to sell...

Oh, I agree on that. Does anyone have a list of the percentage of “shipping today” announcements since Steve died? “Ships in a week” feels more like what they’ll do for this update.

Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro inventory dwindles ahead of possible update at WWDC

Comments