Wait times for Apple’s hottest MacBooks are shorter than they were this spring. It’s now possible to get some versions of the 2021 MacBook Pro delivered in less than a month.
And the COVID outbreak in China that caused the delays is apparently over.
MacBook Pro wait times get shorter
MacBook Pro and Mac Studio are assembled by Quanta Computer in Shanghai. The process was severely disrupted by the Chinese government’s efforts controlling a COVID-19 outbreak. The lockdowns are mostly over, but it will be some time before the supply of these Macs meets the demand for them.
Order a base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro processor from the online Apple store and the delivery window is between July 22 and July 29. Order a base model 16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro from the same source and it’ll also arrive in about four weeks.
The base model 16-inch model with an M1 Max processor takes longer, with a delivery window between August 5 and August 12. That’s a six-week wait.
Amazingly, this is an improvement for some models. People who ordered a top-tier MacBook Pro in February didn’t get it delivered until June.
Patience required for Mac Studio delivery, too
Apple and Quanta haven’t caught up with demand for the latest macOS desktop, either.
Those who want a base model Mac Studio with an M1 Max can get one in about two weeks. But anyone ordering the version of this new desktop with the M1 Ultra from the online Apple store will be waiting until at least August 19. Further configuration pushes the delivery to between 10 weeks and 12 weeks.
The new Studio Display won’t arrive quickly, either. The base model will be delivered between July 29 and August 5 – about five weeks.
In short, students wanting a powerful new Mac for the fall semester should order it now. At least Apple is currently offering gift cards for students who get a new Mac.
And perhaps with the spring COVID-19 problem now cleared up in China, Quanta will be able to truly catch up with demand for the 2021 MacBook Pro and new Mac Studio in the coming months.
