Apple plans new MacBook Ultra and upgrades amid chip shortages delaying Mac Mini and Mac Studio supplies

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new high-end MacBook Ultra with a touch screen, alongside iMac color refreshes and upgrades to Mac Mini and Mac Studio with new M5 chips. However, a global RAM shortage driven by demand for AI tools is causing supply delays, with some Mac Mini and Mac Studio models unavailable and shipping times extending up to 12 weeks. Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated it may take months for supply to normalize, suggesting potential buyers might face a waiting game or consider holding out for the new models. This situation reflects both supply chain challenges and Apple's possible production scaling ahead of chip upgrades.