With multiple Mac refreshes expected throughout 2026 including M5-powered MacBooks, Mac minis, and a potential A18 Pro entry-level model, we analyze whether current discounts outweigh waiting for next-gen performance gains.
With over 30 Apple products leaked for 2026 releases – including iPhone 18 Pro and A18 Pro-powered MacBooks – timing your Mac purchase requires careful consideration. We examine each expected model refresh, performance projections, and buying strategies for different user profiles.
MacBook Air: Incremental Upgrade Ahead
The M5 MacBook Air (early 2026) maintains the same chassis, ports, and LCD display as its M4 predecessor. Significant changes like OLED panels remain unlikely before 2028. Performance gains will focus on CPU/GPU improvements rather than redesigns.
Current deal: $799 for base M4 model (Amazon)
Verdict: Buy now unless seeking maximum longevity. The M4 already delivers exceptional battery life, and M5's arrival won't significantly devalue current models. Price drops on Apple Store may occur post-launch, but third-party retailers like Amazon maintain stable pricing.
Mac mini: Focused Performance Bump
Mid-2026's M5 Mac mini features the 2024-updated chassis with M5/M5 Pro chips. Expect CPU/GPU gains and enhanced AI capabilities, but identical ports (Thunderbolt 4 on base, Thunderbolt 5 on Pro) and wireless (Wi-Fi 6E/Bluetooth 5.3). Memory configurations unchanged at 16GB/24GB.
Current deal: $539 for M4 base model
Verdict: Buy M4 now unless needing M5 Pro. The current design is mature, and M5 brings iterative improvements. M5 Pro seekers should wait given the performance leap.
iMac: Chip Swap Minimalism
The M5 iMac (2026) retains the colorful 24-inch design without display or port changes. OLED technology remains a distant 2027 possibility. This update prioritizes raw performance over innovation.
Current deal: $1,749 for M3 model (Amazon)
Verdict: Buy now. Without OLED or design changes, waiting solely for M5 offers diminishing returns for most users.
Mac Studio: The Worthwhile Wait
Expected at WWDC 2026, the M5 Max/M5 Ultra Mac Studio represents Apple's most significant 2026 upgrade. Skipping the M4 Ultra generation means substantial CPU/GPU leaps – especially for GPU-intensive workflows like 3D rendering and AI processing.
Verdict: Wait. Professionals needing maximum throughput should anticipate 30-40% GPU gains. The current M2 Ultra remains capable but won't match this jump.
MacBook Pro: Graphics-Focused Update
The M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (late Q1/spring 2026) keeps existing chassis and displays. Architectural changes may enable higher GPU core counts, benefiting creative applications and gaming. Prices should remain stable despite industry-wide memory cost increases.
Current deals:
- $1,749: 14" M4 Pro (24GB/512GB)
- $2,239: 16" M4 Max (24GB/512GB)
Verdict: Wait if GPU/AI performance is critical. Video editors and 3D artists gain most from the M5's architecture. Others find current M4 models sufficiently powerful.
Wildcard: A18 Pro MacBook Revival
Rumors suggest a $599 12-inch MacBook powered by iPhone's A18 Pro chip – outperforming M1 in single-core tasks (Geekbench 6.5: 3,460 vs 2,363) while matching multi-core scores (8,546 vs 8,622). Positioned against premium Chromebooks, its early 2026 release could disrupt the entry-level market.
Verdict: Wait if seeking ultra-portable secondary device. Performance won't match M-series but offers Apple ecosystem access at unprecedented pricing.
The Bottom Line
- Buy now: Casual users (MacBook Air/Mac mini/iMac), especially with current discounts
- Wait: GPU/AI professionals (Mac Studio/MacBook Pro) or budget seekers (A18 MacBook)
- Monitor: M5 Pro Mac mini upgrades for workstation users
While 2026 brings meaningful improvements, Apple's current lineup offers exceptional value. For all but specialized use cases, today's discounts combined with mature designs present compelling opportunities before next-generation launches.
Image sources: Notebookcheck, Apple
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