The base MacBook Pro can't continue in the lineup indefinitely, right?

[Elwe]

Based on the history of how Apple has handled the baseline MacBook Pro, I can't see this model existing indefinitely. I think it fills (or perhaps filled) a sweet spot. Combined with the pricing, the extra ports and better screen were important for some that really had not need for these rest. I see why it currently exists, even though the MacBook Air is a solid choice for many lurking just under it.

When Apple moves to an OLED touch screen and thinner chassis in late 2026/early 2027, I can't see how this base model comes along for the ride. That tech is just going to be too expensive/premium. Why would a model with a base M6 need to exist . . . except for if Apple decides they will continue the model for a year or two with no other changes besides the incremental processor update. We have seen them do this exact thing before. But even then I never really understood the need when they did it. And they eventually got rid of that model (the Touch Bar era). This would be especially true in 2028 when the MacBooks Air are slated to get OLED. At that point, the extra ports and no internal fan that prevents throttling would be the only deltas.

With Apple having increased the base minimums of memory and SSD across the Air lineup I think it is a model that pollutes or confuses the overall MacBook lineup too much, but that is just me.

 

[JPack]

Why is an OLED touch screen and thinner chassis "too expensive"? It's tech that Apple has used for years on iPhone and iPad Pro. Android tablets and PC notebooks also use it.

Apple made it clear in 2020/2021 with the M1 MBP. Thermal performance and ports are marketable features. Apple deleted the fan in M1 MBA even though the chassis was exactly the same as before. They could have provided a fan setting for silent or high performance.

 

[hovscorpion12]

Why is an OLED touch screen and thinner chassis "too expensive"? It's tech that Apple has used for years on iPhone and iPad Pro. Android tablets and PC notebooks also use it.

Apple made it clear in 2020/2021 with the M1 MBP. Thermal performance and ports are marketable features. Apple deleted the fan in M1 MBA even though the chassis was exactly the same as before. They could have provided a fan setting for silent or high performance.

Yes, but we all know the Apple premium. Add between +$1,000 to +$,2,000 to the existing line-up.

if a 16 Inch M5 Max with 128GB of RAM and 2TB cost $5,500. The OLED model will cost $7,000.

 

[dizmonk]

I have a M4 base model and I think it's great. To me it's really about the price point. It's a better screen, speakers and battery life than the Air but not with all the extra hp that the Pro, Max and (eventually the Ultra) models have. The price diff between the base M5 and M5 Pro is $500. That is a significant bump up for someone who just doesn't want the Air. I have a feeling (and hope) it will be around for a while.

 

[JPack]

Yes, but we all know the Apple premium. Add between +$1,000 to +$,2,000 to the existing line-up.

if a 16 Inch M5 Max with 128GB of RAM and 2TB cost $5,500. The OLED model will cost $7,000.

Apple's premium for features depends on the strategic importance of the product. For example, look the cost for cellular add-on:

• iPad: $150
• iPad Pro: $200
• Watch SE 3: $50
• Watch 11: $100

Apple can charge another $100 for OLED and touch or $500. It comes down to how much they want to charge. The base model M6 MBP can continue to exist and if Apple deems touch important, can push it down to Neo.