Whether or not you might be updating your previous MacBook laptop computer or planning to purchase your first Mac a part of the choice of which mannequin to purchase needs to be primarily based on timing. Earlier than you half together with your cash it’s best to examine that the mannequin you might be shopping for isn’t about to be upgraded by Apple. There may be nothing worse than shopping for a brand new MacBook Air solely to see Apple replace the fashions a month later. Fortunately you might be right here studying this text so the prospect of you making a mistake like that’s slim (though it’s best to examine the date this text was final up to date!)
On this article, we’ll inform you one of the best time to purchase a MacBook, when to purchase a Mac, at what time of yr Apple normally updates its Macs, and whether or not an replace is predicted quickly. We’ll additionally point out if there are any specific configurations to keep away from.
We are going to run by means of every Mac and MacBook Apple presently sells and assess whether or not now is an effective time to purchase one primarily based on educated guesses as to when the following one will launch. Generally if you happen to wait a month or two you will get extra to your cash – supplied Apple retains its costs the identical.
Earlier than you make the choice of which Mac to purchase you also needs to try our Mac shopping for information and our MacBook shopping for information. We additionally provide recommendation about how a lot storage, RAM and cores in How a lot MacBook RAM, SSD, GPU and CPU do you actually need?
If you’re studying this round Black Friday, learn our recommendation in our information to the finest Black Friday MacBook offers and the finest Mac mini and iMac offers. And if you wish to know what different Apple merchandise are discounted learn Greatest Black Friday Apple offers.
When will Apple launch new Macs?
There are a few issues that may assist when predicting when a brand new mannequin may land. One is to pay attention to when Apple final up to date the vary. The opposite is to notice when Apple has beforehand introduced updates to that vary.
Apple up to date the MacBook Professional, Mac mini and iMac at an occasion in October 2024. We don’t anticipate any extra Mac updates till spring 2025. check out our article about Apple Occasions and the new merchandise anticipated from Apple to examine that the outlook hasn’t modified.
Most up-to-date/present launches:
- 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Professional, M4, M4 Professional and M4 Max – October 2024
- 24-inch iMac, M4 – October 2024
- Mac mini, M4 and M4 Professional – October 2024
- 15-inch MacBook Air, M3 – March 2024 (RAM replace in October 2024)
- Mac Studio, M2 Max and M2 Extremely – June 2023
- Mac Professional, M2 Extremely – June 2023
- 13-inch MacBook Air, M2 – July 2022 (RAM replace in October 2024)
As for the instances when a Mac launch is more than likely. Prior to now, the more than likely instances to see Mac updates have been: WWDC in June for skilled Mac fashions (e.g. Mac Studio and Mac Professional) and October for consumer-focused Macs (e.g. MacBook Air and Mac mini). Nevertheless, as you will notice once you learn on, this isn’t a rule that Apple abides by significantly, nor does Apple at all times launch new Macs at particular occasions: it typically simply takes the Apple Retailer offline for a number of hours after which when it returns new Mac fashions can be found because it did in October 2024.
It was once simpler to foretell when Apple would launch new Macs as a result of updates have been typically tied to the launch of the following era of Intel processors. Now that Apple has transitioned from Intel to its personal collection of processors, it’s not tied to Intel’s improve cycle. This doesn’t essentially imply that the updates occur extra regularly although.
We do, nonetheless, suppose that updates for the next Macs are more likely to arrive within the subsequent few months.
- 13- & 15-inch MacBook Air, M4: Now that the MacBook Professional has an M4 chip we count on that the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air will get an replace quickly. See: MacBook Air rumors. Anticipated launch: Spring 2025.
- Mac Studio, M4: The Mac Studio go the M2 Max and M2 Extremely in June 2023. We count on that the entire of 2024 will move with out an replace so count on an M4-Max/Extremely in 2025, maybe at WWDC. See: M4 Mac Studio.
- Mac Professional, M4: Just like the Mac Studio, we count on a replace in June 2024.
- iMac Professional: Apple discontinued the larger-screened 27-inch iMac when the Mac Studio was launched, however there are rumors that it may make a comeback. Learn in regards to the new iMac Professional. Anticipated launch: 2025.
Ought to I look forward to Black Friday offers?
If you’re considering of shopping for a brand new Mac and the previous few months of the yr are approaching, it’s best to maintain on to make the most of offers season. From October onwards is once we are inclined to see probably the most offers, with everybody saving their finest reductions for the weeks round Black Friday on the finish of November. If you’re questioning whether or not to attend till Black Friday itself or make the most of an early deal that’s marked as being ‘early Black Friday’ or related, our recommendation is to simply go for it! Prior to now numerous retailers have began their Black Fridays gross sales a very long time earlier than the day itself and promised that costs gained’t go any decrease on Black Friday itself.
It’s unlikely that Apple will provide any reductions for Black Friday although. The corporate tends to supply vouchers with qualifying gross sales round Black Friday, and we don’t count on that to vary: right here’s what Apple is more likely to be doing for Black Friday. So don’t count on Apple to supply reductions on Black Friday, however you may be capable of get cash off Apple merchandise from one other reseller. We see many resellers providing Black Friday offers on Apple merchandise, so come again round Black Friday and take a look at our greatest
However we don’t solely see costs minimize for Black Friday, we see offers on Apple merchandise all yr spherical – so don’t assume you may’t get cash off a brand new Apple product when you want to purchase one. Try our round-ups of the finest Apple offers:
There are different methods to economize too:
Is it an excellent time to purchase a Mac or MacBook?
Let’s check out every Mac and MacBook available on the market and assess if you happen to ought to contemplate shopping for it now. Examine the date on the prime of the article to see once we final up to date this info.
Ought to I purchase a 13-inch MacBook Air now or wait?
- Final replace: March 2024
- Subsequent replace: Spring 2025
There are three variations of the MacBook Air that can be purchased proper now. There are two 13-inch fashions: one with an M2 chip that launched in July 2022 and one with an M3 chip that went on sale in March 2024. There may be additionally a 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 that was up to date in March 2024, which we talk about beneath.
The M2 MacBook Air, with its brand-new design, arrived in the summertime of 2022. It gained a MagSafe charging port, that means that two USB-C ports can be found. In our 13-inch M2 MacBook Air evaluation we described it as “good for practically each consumer” due to its improved show with thinner bezels, full-size perform row, killer battery life and excellent efficiency in its class. There are nonetheless some areas that allow it down although, for instance, the truth that you may’t plug in multiple different monitor, except you shut the MacBook lid or comply with this workaround: Find out how to join two or extra exterior shows to Apple Silicon Macs.
When the M3 model of the MacBook Air arrived in spring 2024 we have been impressed, discovering that the M3 chip gave a pleasant efficiency enhance. In October 2024, with the arrival of the M4 within the MacBook Professional, the MacBook Air does look rather less spectacular, however Apple elevated the unified reminiscence (RAM) within the M3 and M2 MacBook Air, from 8GB to 16GB, paving the way in which for Apple Intelligence.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a 13-inch MacBook Air?
The M2 MacBook Air is a wonderful machine and it’s the most cost-effective Mac laptop computer proper now. Nevertheless, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip solely prices $100/£100 extra, so our recommendation can be to pay somewhat further for higher specs. In October 2024 the M3 MacBook Air had a RAM enhance, which is definitely a degree in favor of shopping for one proper now, however, with the MacBook Professional gaining an M4 chip on the identical time, it’s possible that the MacBook Air will get the same replace quickly.
Our suggestion is that if you happen to discover a good low cost on the worth of the M3 MacBook Air examine that the mannequin being bought consists of the now customary 16GB RAM, quite than 8GB RAM. For those who discover a 16GB geared up M3 MacBook Air at an excellent value then it is going to be an excellent purchase, so long as you’re ready for disappointment in early 2025 when the MacBook Air is upgraded. If you wish to purchase a MacBook Air now try our round-up of the Greatest MacBook Air offers.
Ought to I purchase a 15-inch MacBook Air now or wait?
- Final replace: June 2023
- Subsequent replace: Spring 2025
There may be one other MacBook Air to contemplate. In our evaluation of the 15-inch MacBook Air we mentioned that the 15-inch MacBook Air is “precisely just like the 13-inch MacBook Air solely with an even bigger show (and thus chassis) and higher audio system”. However if you happen to want bigger laptops then the 15-inch MacBook Air will prevent 1000’s in comparison with the 16-inch MacBook Professional.
It presents higher battery life than the smaller mannequin and presents a bigger display screen, and whereas it prices a bit greater than the 13-inch mannequin, it’s a lot lower than the opposite Mac laptops with bigger screens. The 14-inch MacBook Professional begins at $1,599/£1,599, whereas the 15-inch MacBook Air begins at $1,299/£1,399.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a 15-inch MacBook Air?
Apple launched the 15-inch MacBook Air in March 2024, however whereas it’s nonetheless lower than a yr previous, we do count on that Apple will replace it in early 2025 with the M4 chip that arrived within the MacBook Professional, iMac and Mac mini in October 2024.
One level in favor of the 15-inch MacBook Air is that Apple doubled the unified reminiscence (RAM) in October 2024, so there’s no less than 16GB RAM as customary within the 15-inch MacBook Air, which ought to imply that if you happen to discover a whole lot on a 16GB RAM-equipped mannequin you gained’t remorse spending your cash.
Ought to I purchase a 14-inch MacBook Professional now or wait?
- Final replace: October 2024
- Subsequent replace: October 2025
Apple upgraded the 14-inch MacBook Professional with the M4, M4 Professional and M4 Max in October 2024. We don’t count on to see one other replace till no less than the autumn of 2025.
Once we reviewed the MacBook Professional M4 mannequin we discovered it supplied an excellent efficiency enhance over the MacBook Professional M3. The enhance from 8GB to 16GB unified reminiscence is one profit, one other acquire comes within the type of an additional Thunderbolt/USB 4 port. In our evaluation we described the M4 MacBook Professional as: “a bundle bursting with worth. It not appears like a compromised laptop computer, and also you get loads of efficiency and options for the worth”.
If you’re a professional consumer who wants somewhat extra oomph then the M4 Professional or M4 Max fashions provide extra ports (together with Thunderbolt 5) and superior energy. In our evaluation of the M4 Professional fashions we mentioned they “have what it takes to beat your processing calls for”. Learn our evaluation right here: 14-inch MacBook Professional M4 evaluation.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a 14-inch MacBook Professional?
At $1,599/£1,599 the worth of the 14-inch MacBook Professional with M4 is a excessive in comparison with the 15-inch MacBook Air, which you will get for $1,299/£1,299, however the latter nonetheless solely presents the M3 chip and the M4 within the MacBook Professional is leaps forward. So or suggestion proper now could be to purchase the MacBook Professional if you happen to see an excellent deal. For those who discover a deal on the older M3 MacBook Professional we might advise in opposition to it as a result of that mannequin has much less RAM.
If it’s the M4 Professional or M4 Max version you might be after, our suggestion is purchase one, you gained’t be disillusioned. If you wish to get one of the best value for a brand new MacBook Professional try our round-up of the Greatest MacBook Professional offers.
Learn our full
Apple 14-inch MacBook Professional (M4) evaluation
Ought to I purchase a 16-inch MacBook Professional now or wait?
- Final replace: October 2024
- Subsequent replace: October 2025
Alongside the 14-inch MacBook Professional, in October 2024, Apple launched a 16-inch MacBook Professional with M4 Professional or M4 Max. Once we reviewed the M4 Professional 16-inch MacBook Professional mannequin we described it as “a strong workstation and Apple makes the bundle even higher with Thunderbolt 5, the 12MP Middle Stage digicam, and the Nano-texture glass show choice”.
For those who want the last word in processing muscle, you actually need an M4 Max chip, but when a $3,499/£3,499 laptop computer is out of your finances, the M4 Professional fashions have what it takes to beat your processing calls for.
The bigger 16-inch mannequin prices greater than it’s smaller sibling, however if you happen to want extra battery life and an even bigger display screen then that is the mannequin for you.
For those who’re nonetheless utilizing an Intel-based MacBook Professional, it’s time to improve.
For extra recommendation learn our comparability of all of the MacBook Professional fashions.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a 16-inch MacBook Professional?
The 16-inch MacBook Professional was up to date in October 2024, so we don’t count on one other replace for a while. If you will discover an excellent deal then undoubtedly purchase one.
If it’s energy you want and portability isn’t an element, you may additionally wish to contemplate the M4 Professional within the Mac mini and a show as a less expensive choice than the 16-inch MacBook Professional.
Learn our full
Apple 16-inch MacBook Professional (M4 Professional) evaluation
Ought to I purchase a 24-inch iMac now or wait?
- Final replace: October 2024
- Subsequent replace: Late 2025/2026
The 24-inch iMac is eye-catching, each by way of the standard of the 4.5K show and the colourful case. The M4 mannequin arrived in October 2024 with every mannequin out there in blue, inexperienced, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and silver, with all however silver providing a daring tone on the again that’s complemented by a paler model on the entrance.
On the within the variations are spectacular. As we mentioned in our evaluation, “the brand new 16GB RAM customary, the implementation of Thunderbolt throughout the board, the improved FaceTime digicam, and the Nano-texture glass choice are all successful strikes by Apple.”
The M4 chip inside is identical as you will discover within the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Professional and Mac mini. The iMac is cheaper than the MacBook Professional, beginning at $1,299/£1,299 in comparison with $1,599/£1,599 for the MacBook Professional, however the MacBook Professional is healthier geared up, with a 10-core GPU, quite than the 8-core GPU present in that entry-level iMac. There’s additionally double the storage within the MacBook (512GB in comparison with 256GB). If you’re in search of one of the best worth although, the Mac mini is less expensive than the iMac, beginning at $599/£599 for a similar spec.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a 24-inch iMac?
Whereas we really feel that it’s overpriced, we settle for that there are locations for which the iMac is right–reception desks, residing rooms, and so forth. If For those who’re in search of a brand new, full Mac setup– a pc, show, and enter gadgets–the M4 iMac is a good alternative.
For those who do wish to purchase one then don’t pay full value, examine our round-up of the finest iMac offers.
For those who want an iMac that’s designed with inventive professionals in thoughts it’s best to have a look at the Mac mini with M4 Professional.
Learn our full
Apple iMac (M4) evaluation
Ought to I purchase a Mac mini now or wait?
- Final replace: October 2024
- Subsequent replace: Late 2025/2026
Apple launched the M4 Mac mini and M4 Professional Mac mini in October 2024. The Mac mini with M4 or M4 Professional is the lengthy awaited successor to the M2 Mac mini and M2 Professional model.
The Mac mini is now even smaller, however it’s simply as highly effective as every other M4 geared up Mac. The efficiency and worth on provide for simply $599/£599 is great, if you’re making an attempt to spec up a machine to fulfill greater calls for we discovered that may be costly, however that’s the case with all of Apple’s build-to-order choices.
The professional model of the Mac mini does a lot to fill the hole left by the removing of the 27-inch iMac, so long as you have got an honest monitor you need to use.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a Mac mini?
We advocate the M4 Mac mini. It presents the identical specs as the opposite M4 Macs for a lot much less cash, the one distinction being the absence of a display screen. However since you should purchase an honest 4K show for lower than £300/$300 we don’t suppose that may be a massive drawback. See our round-up of the finest screens for Mac.
The M4 Professional Mac mini is a good choice for anybody who wants inexpensive energy. The one purpose to carry off shopping for is if you wish to look forward to Apple to replace the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Extremely. Nevertheless, the Mac Studio begins at $1,999/£2,099, whereas the M2 Professional Mac mini presents significantly better worth at $1,299/£1,299.
If you wish to purchase a Mac mini now try our round-up of the Greatest Mac mini offers.
Ought to I purchase a Mac Studio now or wait?
Final replace: June 2023
Subsequent replace: 2025
The Mac Studio arrived in March 2022 and we have been impressed by its processing energy, port flexibility and value. In our evaluation we mentioned “The Mac Studio presents thrilling processing prowess,” and added: “It could even be an acceptable substitute for an Intel Mac Professional in sure conditions.” That mannequin was changed by a Mac Studio with M2 Max or M2 Extremely again in June 2023, however there hasn’t been an replace in 2024.
In our evaluation of the mannequin that arrived in June 2023, we mentioned that: “The Mac Studio is the perfect Mac–it’s highly effective, priced appropriately, has numerous ports for connecting gadgets, and it gained’t take up loads of desk area,” and described it as a “full bundle of processing energy, options, and design”. An HDMI improve fixes considered one of our greatest issues with the unique Mac Studio, bringing 8K show help and help for extra shows total.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a Mac Studio?
Almost a yr and a half after the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Extremely arrived in June 2023, the M4 Max has arrived within the MacBook Professional. That chip which is able to ultimately be destined for the Mac Studio, together with the M4 Extremely (except Apple jumps straight to the M5).
With an replace log overdue it definitely seems to be possible that the Mac Studio will see an replace in 2025. We count on Apple to replace the mannequin both at, or earlier than, WWDC in June. For those who want a strong machine within the meantime then you might be higher off contemplating the M4 Professional Mac mini or M4 Professional or M4 Max MacBook Professional.
Alternatively, make the most of the Greatest Mac Studio offers, as a result of we do see some massive reductions on these fashions.
Learn our full
Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max, 2023) evaluation
Ought to I purchase a Mac Professional now or wait?
- Final replace: June 2023
- Subsequent replace: 2025
Apple launched the present Mac Professional in June 2023, three and a half years after the vary was final up to date in December 2019. That was the primary replace since December 2013 (which was a wait of six years!)
The principle advantage of the 2019 Mac Professional design is shared by the design of the 2023 Mac Professional: it presents PCIe growth slots (seven in whole) and its modular design ought to imply that there’s the potential for SSD upgrades down the road (though RAM gained’t be upgradable and nor will the GPU or CPU).
The Mac Professional has loads of competitors within the type of the Mac Studio, which presents the very same spec because the Mac Studio and is cheaper. The Mac Professional brings an additional fan, extra ports and there’s a rack-mounted choice.
Is now an excellent time to purchase a Mac Professional?
The drawback is that Apple hasn’t up to date the Mac Professional (or Mac Studio) since mid 2023. Whereas Apple typically waits a very long time between Mac Professional updates, the M4 Professional has greater than caught up with the M2 Max and the M4 Max has edged forward of the M2 Extremely, so if you happen to want the ability then the Mac Professional isn’t trying as engaging subsequent to its siblings
When the Mac Professional is lastly up to date we count on it to leap forward, so our suggestion it to attend. We count on an replace at, or earlier than, WWDC.