Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

[MacRumors]

Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works.

We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this year, a massive refresh is coming. Rumors suggest that there won't be just one MacBook Pro refresh in 2026, but two.

After launching M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models in the spring, Apple will do another update in late 2026, introducing the first OLED MacBook Pro models. The OLED MacBook Pro is expected to feature a design refresh, faster M6 chips, all new display technology, and, in a first for the Mac, touch screen capabilities.

It's going to be the biggest update to the Mac lineup since Apple silicon chips came out in 2020. iPhones have used OLED for years, and Apple brought it to the iPad Pro in 2024, but Macs don't use OLED yet.

Apple said for years and years that the Mac wouldn't get a touch screen, but times change. Multiple rumors suggest that touch capabilities are coming, making the Mac more like an iPad. Touch-based controls will be available right alongside traditional mouse and keyboard input options.

The OLED MacBook Pro models will be the first to use Apple's 2-nanometer chip technology, and they could even be the first Macs with cellular capabilities. With so many changes in store, it doesn't make much sense to buy an M5 Pro or an M5 Max MacBook Pro with much better options coming just months later.

OLED touch displays will be limited to the higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch models because of the cost, so the warning isn't applicable to the standard M5 MacBook Pro that came out last fall. The entry-level MacBook Pro isn't expected to get the same upgrades, though it is likely to get an M6 chip.

It's also possible OLED will be so expensive that it's limited to a single, super expensive high-end model, but we're still probably looking at M6 chip upgrades and a design refresh across the lineup.

Two Mac refreshes in a single year is unusual, but not unheard of. Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January 2023, and then updated the machines again with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips in October 2023.

Normally a Mac refresh results in a Buy Now recommendation from us, but this year, with rumors of two updates in 2026 and so much expected from the later models, those interested in a high-end, premium MacBook Pro should plan to wait.

Article Link: Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

 

[ELman]

Not all of us want an OLED screen.

 

[dominiongamma]

Two days later “why you should buy a MacBook Pro”

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

My 14 inch M3 Max is holding up well for my insightful postings to these forum pages. I pledge to you all that I will rush to upgrade should the unthinkable happen and safari feel less than snappy at any time before the updated models arrive.

 

[goobot]

I really hope they don’t make oled exclusive to the 16 inch

 

[Madonepro]

For all the reasons you gave, for waiting, apply for getting now.
A first generation, very expensive toy, potentially with added features, not particularly wanted or needed.

It would be safer, if you need an upgrade; Intel, M1 & M2 owners, to buy a M5 that will see you though a few years of generational change.

 

[Madonepro]

Two days later “why you should buy a MacBook Pro”

Exactly. When products are not filling up the shelves, it leaves the rumour mill devoid of product to support their guesses! Henceforth, the months of the same stories, repackaged.

 

[RMo]

For an alternative view, if it meets your needs when you buy it, a newer model being released sooner rather than later (one is bound to come at some point) won't change that. If it's anything like even an M1 today, it will be a perfectly capable machine for years into the future.

And aren't there rumors of a price increase? I really don't care about any of the rumored features, and I'd rather have a slightly more affordable MBP. The rumored M5 is one I might consider buying for this reason alone, then letting others figure out any issues a new design might face (thanks, everyone! 🙂) and pick up something a generation or two later if I feel the urge.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Not all of us want an OLED screen.

I want it, but i'm not sure i'm going to like the PWM

 

[BPCasey]

2nm is very small. For comparison a human hair … much smaller than that.

Serious point being I’m happy enough to buy a super powerful machine based on the established technology rather than wait an undefined period of time for next gen machine with bleeding edge tech at who knows what price point.

 

[zedsdead]

I am very intersted in the M5 Max Mac Studio because of RAM prices. I want to wait, but if Apple holds the line on RAM for the M5 lineup, I will likely upgrade from my M2 Max earlier than I was going to.

As for the MacBook Pro…I will wait cause the redesign is too enticing….but still very worried what Apple will do to RAM prices.

 

[satchmo]

I think I might wait another year or two, if this M6 OLED MacBook Pro is as expensive as we think it will be.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

There's always a new computer right around the corner. If you need one now, buy one now.

 

[jz0309]

There's always a new computer right around the corner. If you need one now, buy one now.

^^This.
A computer is a tool to do a job, if it doesn't do that job anymore, replace the tool.

If the past 40+ years have taught us anything in technology, there is always something new and better in a year from now.

 

[wikiverse]

To summarize most posts in other threads about these rumors:

Touchscreen - do not want.
OLED - who cares.
Cellular - won't use it.
2nm Chips - marginal performance improvement, the M1 is still fine for most people.

And then there are the people who just think everything apple does is magical and wonderful, who use an iPhone Air and bought a Vision Pro. To them, all of these features are apparently a necessity and apple will do them better than anyone else.

 

[red elma]

MacRumors has advised against purchasing the next rumored machine.

 

[AusMness]

Either way, given how incredible A19/Pro and M5 have been, anyone who does get this laptop will be getting a hell of a good deal

 

[Dahkoht]

But what if I don’t want a touchscreen monitor or laptop as the idea of tapping on my laptop screen to get smudges on it sounds horrible ?

And I prefer my QLED Samsung 43” over my LG 55 OLED the vast majority of time for the better brightness ?

What author assumed everyone wants a touch screen OLED laptop ?

 

[GJSchaller]

My wife once said to me "Never buy the first generation of a new model or technology." At the time, she was referring to my Honda Pilot, which was a brand new design (2016-17 model), and had bugs aplenty in the AV system, which was not upgradeable.

I'm in agreement I'll grab the new M5 as the most tested of the current generation, before they move to a new platform that hasn't hit the field yet. (My current one is the last Intel model, so it's getting long in the tooth.)

 

[cheesygrin]

It’s more a matter of perspective than saying you “shouldn’t buy it”. As a “Pro” machine, reliability may be more important than a new design. The upcoming model will be the fastest and most refined version of the current proven design that there will be. That may make it the perfect choice for some.

 

[emulator]

Two days later “why you should buy a MacBook Pro”

But written by a different "journalist".

 

[Stinking Genius]

Not all of us want an OLED screen.

I don't really care about the OLED screen either, but I really don't care about a touch screen!

 

[magamo]

But I won't use a touchscreen, and I don't care if it's OLED or not because I almost always use an external display. For me, M1 Pro is powerful enough, and what if the refreshed model is ugly? The current MBP is beautiful.

Then again, I'm posting this from 2019 16in Intel MBP.

 

[DevOliga]

Alternatively; you could counter and say you *should* buy the m5 macbook pros, as they are last model prior to the big redesign, likely stable, likely no hardware faults, no touchscreen gimmicks (in some eyes). Likely the same price (as the base m5 is out at the same price). All of which may/may not be true for the new redesigned mbp in late 2026.

 

[Biro]

I am very intersted in the M5 Max Mac Studio because of RAM prices. I want to wait, but if Apple holds the line on RAM for the M5 lineup, I will likely upgrade from my M2 Max earlier than I was going to.

As for the MacBook Pro…I will wait cause the redesign is too enticing….but still very worried what Apple will do to RAM prices.

I’m with you. I’ll seriously consider an M5 Max Mac Studio before the end of this year if Apple holds the line on RAM prices. I want 64 GB. Since I bought a 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro chip in April of 2025, it’ll hold me for a few years. But if the new entry-level MacBook is as good as I hope, I’ll pick up one of those for travel. My intended tasks for such a machine won’t be that demanding.