Is it still worth getting the 16in Pro?

[AltecX]

I have a 2015 Air, that's starting to need replacement. I've wanted a 16in Pro since they came out, but with the new M1's I'm wondering if with the 16in having a 2-3 generation old CPU I should just wait for a new 16in, but at the same time with Apple being Apple that may not be for another year or more.

I'd love some thoughts/opinions.

 

[usagora]

I have a 2015 Air, that's starting to need replacement. I've wanted a 16in Pro since they came out, but with the new M1's I'm wondering if with the 16in having a 2-3 generation old CPU I should just wait for a new 16in, but at the same time with Apple being Apple that may not be for another year or more.

I'd love some thoughts/opinions.

I guess it would depend on what "starting to need replacement" means. Does that mean it's been having issues and you believe it may fail soon, or does that mean "I really want a new Mac"? LOL! No shame in the latter, btw.

Assuming your current Air is functioning ok, I'd probably be inclined to wait for an M1 MBP or replace it with an M1 MBA that's currently available.

 

[AltecX]

I guess it would depend on what "starting to need replacement" means. Does that mean it's been having issues and you believe it may fail soon, or does that mean "I really want a new Mac"? LOL! No shame in the latter, btw.

Assuming your current Air is functioning ok, I'd probably be inclined to wait for an M1 MBP or replace it with an M1 MBA that's currently available.

It's usable, but its slow (even after a clean install), really warm (even after cleaning out the fans, I've not tried repasting it though), and the battery is getting to the point it barely lasts about 3.5hrs. The typical issues a 6yr old machine runs into.

I could milk it till at least the next Announcement. Do we know when that may be?

 

[usagora]

It's usable, but its slow (even after a clean install), really warm (even after cleaning out the fans, I've not tried repasting it though), and the battery is getting to the point it barely lasts about 3.5hrs. The typical issues a 6yr old machine runs into.

I could milk it till at least the next Announcement. Do we know when that may be?

I'll let someone else answer your question, as I'm not sure. But if you're impatient like me, and given that info about your current MBA's performance, I'd probably get an M1 MBA now (or 13" M1 MBP) and then you could always sell it later if the 16" M1 MBP comes out and you really want the larger display.

 

[jz0309]

If a MBA from 2015 meets your needs for the most part, what do you expect to get out of a 16? Have your needs changed?
No-one knows when a 16 replacement will be released except Apple, and there might be short supply initially…
Why would a M1 MBA not be sufficient for you? I got one just about a month ago to replace a 15 2019 one and I love it, performance wise it feels about the same day to day but I also know that for example Lightroom photo import is actually faster… and it stays cool, no fans…

 

[AltecX]

If a MBA from 2015 meets your needs for the most part, what do you expect to get out of a 16? Have your needs changed?
No-one knows when a 16 replacement will be released except Apple, and there might be short supply initially…
Why would a M1 MBA not be sufficient for you? I got one just about a month ago to replace a 15 2019 one and I love it, performance wise it feels about the same day to day but I also know that for example Lightroom photo import is actually faster… and it stays cool, no fans…

I'd like a bigger screen and the power to not have to use my desktop as much as I prefer to work from the couch and sometimes a local coffee shop.

Assuming the 14in rumors are real there is a chance that would be a nice compromise to me, but far as I'm aware it's still just a rumor.

 

[TSE]

If it makes you money, yes.

If it doesn't make you money, no.

 

[cdcastillo]

I have a 2015 Air, that's starting to need replacement. I've wanted a 16in Pro since they came out, but with the new M1's I'm wondering if with the 16in having a 2-3 generation old CPU I should just wait for a new 16in, but at the same time with Apple being Apple that may not be for another year or more.

I'd love some thoughts/opinions.

Do you have an imperious need for software virtualization or to run windows in your Mac? then get the current 16". Otherwise, I would suggest waiting a few months, it seems they are coming in or around october

 

[AppleMacLoven]

When the 2019 16" MacBook Pro came out, I had been waiting to upgrade from my 2013 15" MacBook Pro. The slightly larger screen with four thunderbolt/USB-C connections made it perfect for when I needed to scramble to WFH. The capability to run four 4k monitors, 32GB of ram (I run several VMs within MacOS) and 2TB of storage was a huge leap forward from the older computer. I did get the i9 version, which is a few generations back presently, performance is still amazing even with 3-4 VMs running. Apple will certainly be supporting Intel Macs for years as they have already demonstrated with the previous two chip changes in Macs.

If I had a 2015 MacBook Air now I'd still get the 16" since it fills my needs better.

For better battery life I've purchased the 12.9" iPad Pro 4th gen (1TB/16GB) to go with the 16" MacBook Pro. It's the perfect compliment as it can be a 2nd screen for the 16" or easily handle an 8 hour work day when I'm mobile and don't need the extra screens. It also has that remarkable M1 chip which the new MacBook Air and 13" Pro have.

With the chip shortage and the ongoing virus, things are likely to be delayed. You can always get the new M1 13" MacBook Air or Pro and sell it when the new 16" or 14" M2 MacBook Pros are eventually available.

 

[profcutter]

It depends on your type of work. If you’re invested in windows and VMs, sure, get the current one. Otherwise? I think it would be foolish not to wait, or as others have said, get an M1 air to tide you over. I got my wife the 16/512 refurbished, works great.

 

[killramos]

Sure why not

 

[vadimyuryev]

Seriously wait for the M1X 16" MacBook Pro. You have no idea how big of a mistake you'll be making by buying the Intel model. You'll understand later this year.

 

[PsykX]

Seriously wait for the M1X 16" MacBook Pro. You have no idea how big of a mistake you'll be making by buying the Intel model. You'll understand later this year.

I 100% agree with that.

As others have said, if you're really in need, buy the cheapest M1 possible (base model of course) and sell it later this year, or wait for an even better generation next year in 2022. You'll minimize your losses in the process.

 

[Isengardtom]

I‘d say wait. There’s the M1X coming later this year most likely, and my guess is the resell value of the Intel MacBook Pro will be pretty bad.

you could considered it you get a good deal on a second hand device, but even then

 

[Spock]

Unless I needed Windows support or my software was Intel only, I would wait for the Apple Silicon replacement.

 

[Spanther]

at this point, 100% wait. or (unethical LPT) buy one from Costco and return within 90 days since you'll know for sure about the launch.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

you have the funds to get an Apple Silicon 16” MBP, and your computer isn’t dying, WAIT!

Ape has promised within less than a year of completing the transition, and it looks like those could very well release before year end.

the wait will be more than worth it

 

[glenthompson]

I would only buy the 16” for 2 reasons. 1. You need Intel cpu for other operating system. 2. You absolutely need one with that size screen right now. After getting the new iMac I’m happy to say goodbye to Intel.

 

[boak]

Definitely wait if your Air still works. I've been contemplating trading in my 2018 15-inch to get the M1 Air or Pro tbh

Replaced the screen twice now, and battery and keyboard once. Luckily I bought AppleCare.

 

[Fishrrman]

At this point in time, my vote is NO.

The 16" (Intel) looked like it would have promise when introduced, but there seems to have been a lot of complaints about it, especially regarding fan noise under GPU load.

I would hold out until the m-series MBP 16" gets released, and take a good look at that. Actually, the 14" might be "enough" unless you have-to-have the largest display possible...

 

[bnumerick]

Personally I would suggest waiting unless you need to run Windows. I have a 16" MBP and a M1 MBA along with a slew of other Macs. I've had enough weird throttling/stuttering issues with my 16" it is pretty much regulated to just helping out with video encoding at this point. I've been surprised by how much I like the Air.

 

[Solve4X]

I have a 2019 MBP 16" (64GB RAM, 8TB SSD), M1 MBP 13" and an M1 MBA. MBP 16 is heavy, large, with fans almost always running. I do appreciate the larger screen and SSD, as well as the quality of the speakers and mics. But, other than that, my favorite is the M1 MBA. It feels as fast as the 16". Love the fact that it doesn't have a TouchBar.

My recommendation: get an MBA for now, and sell it when the new 16" comes out. But it really depends on what you need to do with your machine.

 

[smoking monkey]

You'd be crazy to buy an Intel machine now when the M1X machines are so close. The Intel machines will not be fully functional on the new OS. That is a fact and it will only get worse over the next several years. It won't be large stuff or it may not even be relevant to you atm, but still, why pay top dollar for a machine that has 2 year old tech in it and will be gimped within 2 months.

Plus fan noise. Intel fan noise is crazy.

 

[AltecX]

Thanks, everyone or the feedback! I think I'll at least wait till the next event to see what drops.

 

[Octavzz]

I just put up my i9 16" for sale, I will lose 25% of it's value if I manage to sell it at this price, and then I am patiently waiting for those new M1X 16". Doing this now, cause i'm sure the value of the intel 16" will drop even more after the launch.