M5 MacBook Pro Still Worth Buying Despite Redesign Rumors

The current 14-inch MacBook Pro design is nearing five years old, and it's no secret that Apple is working on a redesign for its MacBook Pro lineup. Despite these facts, there's still one compelling argument to be made about buying one today – even with bigger changes right around the horizon.

First things first, when I say M5 MacBook Pro – I specifically mean the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5. This isn't to be confused with the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models that should be launching in early March. With those models, you should in all likelihood just wait for the redesigned models this fall. However, there's one good reason you should consider buying the base model M5 still, and it's simple.

If the base model MacBook Pro with M5 is what's in your budget, then the redesign won't be available for you quite yet – unless you're willing to spend quite a bit more.

Redesign only coming to M6 Pro and M6 Max

At least as things stand today, Apple will be launching its MacBook Pro redesign only on the high-end models. There isn't currently a plan to release a base model M6 with a redesign. So, if you've been holding out on buying a new MacBook Pro because of the redesign – you might want to reconsider things.

The redesign being exclusive to M6 Pro and M6 Max isn't really unprecedented. When the current design debuted in 2021, it was only available with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, starting at $1999. The cheaper model starting at $1599 with base M3 didn't debut until 2023.

Unless your budget exceeds $2000 (potentially even higher with recent supply chain constraints) for a base model configuration – you'll likely be best off not waiting for the redesign.

What's next?

Well, if history is to be followed – you might see a base model MacBook Pro with the new redesign sometime in 2028. That isn't the most exciting thing to hear, but that's how Apple tends to do things. Of course, things can always change. Maybe it'll happen sooner.

To recap, the redesigned MacBook Pro will include an OLED display, a thinner design, touchscreen capability, the potential for 5G cellular networking, and more. It's not necessarily surprising that it'll take time for these features to come down in price a little – especially in today's world of supply constraints involving memory and chip production.

Wrap up

If you're a potential MacBook Pro buyer, but you aren't quite in the $2000+ price range, then the current M5 MacBook Pro will more than likely be your best bet for the next couple years. You can currently get them on sale on Amazon for $150-200 off:

• M5 MacBook Pro (512GB SSD, 16GB memory) – $1449 on Amazon
• M5 MacBook Pro (1TB SSD, 16GB memory) – $1599 on Amazon
• M5 MacBook Pro (1TB SSD, 24GB memory) – $1849 on Amazon

It's not exactly super exciting, but I do still believe that the base model MacBook Pro serves as an incredible value option if you need a better screen and better performance than the MacBook Air without splurging all the way for a MacBook Pro with a Pro chip.

Will you be splurging for the redesigned MacBook Pro later this fall, or will you be waiting until Apple releases a model with baseline Apple Silicon? Let us know in the comments.

Current M5 MacBook Pro Value Proposition

The base model M5 MacBook Pro represents a sweet spot in Apple's lineup. While it may not have the headline-grabbing features of the Pro and Max configurations, it delivers performance that significantly outpaces the MacBook Air while maintaining a more accessible price point.

For many users, the M5 chip provides more than enough power for everyday tasks, creative work, and even some light professional applications. The combination of Apple's custom silicon and macOS continues to deliver impressive performance per watt, making it an efficient choice for both productivity and battery life.

Historical Context: Apple's Pricing Strategy

Apple has consistently used this staggered release strategy for its MacBook Pro lineup. The high-end models typically debut first with the latest and greatest features, while the base models follow later – often with a generation or two of chips behind.

This approach serves multiple purposes:

1. It allows Apple to recoup R&D costs on premium features
2. It creates aspirational products that drive the brand image
3. It provides a clear upgrade path for customers
4. It segments the market to capture different price points

Supply Chain Considerations

The current global supply chain constraints affecting memory and chip production add another layer of complexity to Apple's product strategy. Premium features like OLED displays, advanced cellular modems, and cutting-edge chip designs often face supply limitations that make them impractical for inclusion in lower-priced models.

This reality means that even if Apple wanted to bring the redesigned MacBook Pro to the base model segment immediately, supply constraints might prevent it from doing so at a reasonable price point.

Alternative Options to Consider

While the M5 MacBook Pro represents excellent value, it's worth considering alternatives based on your specific needs:

• MacBook Air M3: For users who prioritize portability and battery life over maximum performance
• iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard: For those who want tablet versatility with laptop-like performance
• Windows laptops: For users who need specific software compatibility or prefer the Windows ecosystem

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the MacBook Pro lineup is likely to continue evolving with Apple's silicon roadmap. The transition to M6 chips will bring performance improvements, and the redesigned models will eventually filter down to more affordable price points.

For now, the M5 MacBook Pro represents a pragmatic choice for users who need professional-grade performance without the premium price tag of the Pro and Max configurations. It's a testament to Apple's silicon engineering that even the base model delivers performance that would have been considered exceptional just a few years ago.

The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs, budget, and timeline. If you need a powerful laptop today and don't require the cutting-edge features of the redesigned models, the M5 MacBook Pro remains an excellent choice that will serve you well for years to come.