16GB RAM is build to order, therefore none will be available in Apple Stores?

[MYZ]

8GB of LPDDR5X and a 30% larger die might each cost $30 extra. Most people are smart enough to go for 16GB and/or 512GB, so the margins are definitely still there.

There are plenty of ultraportables like ThinkPad T14s with 32GB RAM. Most people look at the overall package and not the memory technology.

A 30% larger die going from 16 billion to 20 billion transistors on TSMC’s latest and greatest is only $30 extra? Where did you get those pricing figures?

 

[JPack]

A 30% larger die going from 16 billion to 20 billion transistors on TSMC’s latest and greatest is only $30 extra? Where did you get those pricing figures?

Apple's move to M1 chips will save $2.5B this year – IBM exec - 9to5Mac

An analysis by a senior IMB exec suggests that Apple's move to M1 chips will save the company around $2.5B this year, with far larger savings to come ...

9to5mac.com

 

[jav6454]

What do you think the waiting time will be for M2 Air BTO (16GB/1TB)?

Judging by 14&16s this could easily be months...

2 months easy given current situation.

 

[symphony]

It seems like what I suspected is true. Apple Stores (at least in my area) only carries the models they have prefigured on the website. The rest are BTO.

 

[MrMaxwell]

It seems like what I suspected is true. Apple Stores (at least in my area) only carries the models they have prefigured on the website. The rest are BTO.

Yes people forget there are over 600 Apple stores around the world so many varied stock practices - some stores stock all kinds of configs while others just stock the base models as available online. Regardless of what's showing online always ask in store what configs they have as sometimes they stock custom builds only visible on the day by the specialist assisting you.

Stock will be a challenge this release I am sure...they can't even provide a release date only 'next month' - long gone are the good old days of 'Available today!'

 

[jav6454]

It seems like what I suspected is true. Apple Stores (at least in my area) only carries the models they have prefigured on the website. The rest are BTO.

Usually, the largest stock goes to standard configuration machine. However, Apple Stores do carry some models with custom memory or storage configurations. Mind you these machine are usually limited to 1 or 2 per store.

 

[ctjack]

Usually, the largest stock goes to standard configuration machine. However, Apple Stores do carry some models with custom memory or storage configurations. Mind you these machine are usually limited to 1 or 2 per store.

Also those are usually max-mid tier levels, meaning 1tb or 2tb SSD(out of 8TB) and 32gb or 64GB of RAM.
Meaning that if you are only shopping half specs(like maxed RAM but 256/512 ssd), then there is no way to have that BTO in stock at the store.

 

[jav6454]

Also those are usually max-mid tier levels, meaning 1tb or 2tb SSD(out of 8TB) and 32gb or 64GB of RAM.
Meaning that if you are only shopping half specs(like maxed RAM but 256/512 ssd), then there is no way to have that BTO in stock at the store.

They usually do carry those as well, but like I said, in limited stock.

 

[aevan]

My running theory is that the M1/M2 architecture is too powerful and efficient for Apple’s planned obsolescense cycle

Planned obsolescense is a consequence of Apple's plans, not an intention on its own. Of course, people believe in it because it seems easy to understand and we've all become so cynical.

The truth is, 8Gb RAM Airs will be good for people who find them good today, for years to come.

 

[jav6454]

Planned obsolescense is a consequence of Apple's plans, not an intention on its own. Of course, people believe in it because it seems easy to understand and we've all become so cynical.

The truth is, 8Gb RAM Airs will be good for people who find them good today, for years to come.

I'd digress on 8GB being good enough for years to come. Now? Yes. Later? Unknown.

 

[Trouble1]

My running theory is that the M1/M2 architecture is too powerful and efficient for Apple’s planned obsolescense cycle, so they are hamstringing the RAM to compensate. Any stocked laptops sold in stores will only have 8GB, so those customers will be back in 2-3 years looking for a new machine because theirs “feels like it’s slowing down.” It won’t be an issue with the M1/M2, it will be lack of RAM.

Swapping out every 2-3 years is actually a good idea, financially and performance wise. After the Apple 1 year and MasterCard 2nd year warranty expires, I want a new laptop.