MacBook Air 2022 reveal at WWDC now more likely than ever - and I’m hyped

Wishful thinking?

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Apple’sWWDC 2022event is now only a few days away, and in the run-up, it appears that theMacBook Air (M1, 2020)is incredibly hard to buy.

Now, usually, news about stock shortages for a popular product isn’t good news, especially when it concerns the best laptop you can buy right now, but this has actually got me pretty excited for what Apple could show off atWWDC.

As9to5Mac reports, the M1 model of the MacBook Air is hard to get hold of right now, with shipping estimates in the US for the base model between June 8 – 15.

For high-end models of the MacBook Air, you’re looking at the end of June for delivery, and even many Apple Stores appear to have no stock until the end of the month.

While this is certainly frustrating for potential buyers, it could also be good news.Apple has been affected by supply issueswhich initially had us worried about the likelihood of new Macs and MacBooks coming anytime soon, but could it actually make a newMacBook Air (2022)more likely?

Analysis: Yeah, I’m getting my hopes up

OK, so the lack of MacBook Airs currently on sale isn’t concrete evidence that Apple is preparing a successor. In fact, some people may say that it could prove the opposite, as the company is clearly having no problem selling any MacBook Air it makes, so why rush with a replacement?

However, it’s been two years since the last model came out, and it’s high time Apple released a follow-up. We’ve seen an increasing number of rumors emerge as well regarding a new MacBook Air 2022 appearance at WWDC, along with anM2 chip, which will be an upgrade over the excellent Apple–madeM1 chipthat powers the current MacBook Air.

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If Apple is planning a new MacBook Air, then it could explain why stock is drying up, as it will be replaced by a new model. Apple typically stops selling an older model when a new version is released.

The delay in getting a MacBook Air (M1, 2020) could be fortuitous, then, if Apple does announce the MacBook Air (2022) during its WWDC keynote on June 6. It means people who were going to buy the older model can now buy the new version, which will presumably come with some big upgrades. Apple has also been quite good at releasing new models selling for the same price as the old ones, so that delay could end up being pretty great timing.

Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he’s reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

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