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 along with your cash you need to test 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 you need to test the date this text was final up to date!)
On this article, we’ll inform you the very best time to purchase a MacBook, when to purchase a Mac, at what time of 12 months Apple often updates its Macs, and whether or not an replace is predicted quickly. We’ll additionally point out if there are any explicit configurations to keep away from.
We are going to run by means of every Mac and MacBook Apple at the moment sells and assess whether or not now is an effective time to purchase one primarily based on educated guesses as to when the subsequent one will launch. Generally in case you wait a month or two you may 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 supply recommendation about how a lot storage, RAM and cores in How a lot MacBook RAM, SSD, GPU and CPU do you actually need?
In case you are studying this round Black Friday, learn our recommendation in our information to the finest Black Friday MacBook offers and the very best Mac mini and iMac offers. And if you wish to know what different Apple merchandise are discounted learn Finest 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 concentrate on 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 brand new merchandise anticipated from Apple to test 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 most certainly. Previously, the most certainly instances to see Mac updates had 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 note if you learn on, this isn’t a rule that Apple abides by notably, nor does Apple all the time launch new Macs at particular occasions: it usually simply takes the Apple Retailer offline for just a few hours after which when it returns new Mac fashions can be found because it did in October 2024.
It was simpler to foretell when Apple would launch new Macs as a result of updates had been usually tied to the launch of the subsequent 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 continuously although.
We do, nevertheless, suppose that updates for the next Macs are prone to arrive within the subsequent few months.
13- & 15-inch MacBook Air, M4: Now that the MacBook Professional has an M4 chip we anticipate 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 anticipate that the entire of 2024 will cross with out an replace so anticipate an M4-Max/Extremely in 2025, maybe at WWDC. See: M4 Mac Studio.
Mac Professional, M4: Just like the Mac Studio, we anticipate 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 might make a comeback. Learn concerning the new iMac Professional. Anticipated launch: 2025.
Ought to I anticipate Black Friday offers?
In case you are pondering of shopping for a brand new Mac and the previous few months of the 12 months are approaching, you need to maintain on to benefit from offers season. From October onwards is after we are likely to see probably the most offers, with everybody saving their finest reductions for the weeks round Black Friday on the finish of November. In case you are questioning whether or not to attend till Black Friday itself or benefit from an early deal that’s marked as being ‘early Black Friday’ or comparable, our recommendation is to simply go for it! Previously 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 supply any reductions for Black Friday although. The corporate tends to supply vouchers with qualifying gross sales round Black Friday, and we don’t anticipate that to vary: right here’s what Apple is prone to be doing for Black Friday. So don’t anticipate Apple to supply reductions on Black Friday, however you may have the ability to 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 reduce for Black Friday, we see offers on Apple merchandise all 12 months spherical – so don’t assume you may’t get cash off a brand new Apple product when it’s essential to purchase one. Take a look at our round-ups of the very best Apple offers:
There are different methods to save cash too:
Is it a very good time to purchase a Mac or MacBook?
Let’s check out every Mac and MacBook available on the market and assess in case you ought to think about shopping for it now. Examine the date on the prime of the article to see after we final up to date this info.
Ought to I purchase a 13-inch MacBook Air now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,099
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 focus on beneath.
The M2 MacBook Air, with its brand-new design, arrived in the summertime of 2022. It gained a MagSafe charging port, which means that two USB-C ports can be found. In our 13-inch M2 MacBook Air evaluate we described it as “just right for nearly every user” because of 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 a couple of different monitor, until you shut the MacBook lid or observe this workaround: The way to join two or extra exterior shows to Apple Silicon Macs.
When the M3 model of the MacBook Air arrived in spring 2024 we had been impressed, discovering that the M3 chip gave a pleasant efficiency increase. 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 a very good 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 additional for higher specs. In October 2024 the M3 MacBook Air had a RAM increase, which is actually some extent in favor of shopping for one proper now, however, with the MacBook Professional gaining an M4 chip on the identical time, it’s probably that the MacBook Air will get an identical replace quickly.
Our suggestion is that in case you discover a good low cost on the worth of the M3 MacBook Air test that the mannequin being bought consists of the now commonplace 16GB RAM, fairly than 8GB RAM. If you happen to discover a 16GB geared up M3 MacBook Air at a very good worth then it is going to be a very good purchase, so long as you are 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 Finest MacBook Air offers.
Ought to I purchase a 15-inch MacBook Air now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,299
Final replace: June 2023
Subsequent replace: Spring 2025
There may be one other MacBook Air to contemplate. In our evaluate of the 15-inch MacBook Air we mentioned that the 15-inch MacBook Air is “exactly like the 13-inch MacBook Air only with a bigger display (and thus chassis) and better speakers”. However in case you favor 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, 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 a very good 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 12 months previous, we do anticipate 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 may be no less than 16GB RAM as commonplace within the 15-inch MacBook Air, which ought to imply that in case you 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?
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,599 | $1,799 | $1,999
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 anticipate to see one other replace till no less than the autumn of 2025.
After we reviewed the MacBook Professional M4 mannequin we discovered it provided a very good efficiency increase over the MacBook Professional M3. The increase 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 evaluate we described the M4 MacBook Professional as: “a package bursting with value. It no longer feels like a compromised laptop, and you get a lot of performance and features for the price”.
In case you are a professional person who wants somewhat extra oomph then the M4 Professional or M4 Max fashions supply extra ports (together with Thunderbolt 5) and superior energy. In our evaluate of the M4 Professional fashions we mentioned they “have what it takes to conquer your processing demands”. Learn our evaluate right here: 14-inch MacBook Professional M4 evaluate.
Is now a very good 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 may 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 in case you see a very good deal. If you happen to 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 disenchanted. If you wish to get the very best worth for a brand new MacBook Professional try our round-up of the Finest MacBook Professional offers.
Learn our full
Apple 14-inch MacBook Professional (M4) evaluate
Ought to I purchase a 16-inch MacBook Professional now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
$2,499 | $2,899
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. After we reviewed the M4 Professional 16-inch MacBook Professional mannequin we described it as “a powerful workstation and Apple makes the package even better with Thunderbolt 5, the 12MP Center Stage camera, and the Nano-texture glass display option”.
If you happen to want the final 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 in case you want extra battery life and a much bigger display then that is the mannequin for you.
If you happen to’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 a very good time to purchase a 16-inch MacBook Professional?
The 16-inch MacBook Professional was up to date in October 2024, so we don’t anticipate one other replace for a while. If you’ll find a very good deal then positively purchase one.
If it’s energy you want and portability isn’t an element, you may additionally need to think about 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) evaluate
Ought to I purchase a 24-inch iMac now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,299 | $1,499 | $1,699 | $1,899
Final replace: October 2024
Subsequent replace: Late 2025/2026
The 24-inch iMac is eye-catching, each when it comes to the standard of the 4.5K show and the colourful case. The M4 mannequin arrived in October 2024 with every mannequin obtainable 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 evaluate, “the new 16GB RAM standard, the implementation of Thunderbolt across the board, the improved FaceTime camera, and the Nano-texture glass option are all winning moves by Apple.”
The M4 chip inside is identical as you’ll find within the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Professional and Mac mini. The iMac is inexpensive 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, fairly 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). In case you are searching for the very best worth although, the Mac mini is less expensive than the iMac, beginning at $599/£599 for a similar spec.
Is now a very good 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, dwelling rooms, and so forth. If If you happen to’re searching for a brand new, full Mac setup– a pc, show, and enter units–the M4 iMac is a superb selection.
If you happen to do need to purchase one then don’t pay full worth, test our round-up of the very best iMac offers.
If you happen to want an iMac that’s designed with inventive execs in thoughts you need to take a look at the Mac mini with M4 Professional.
Learn our full
Apple iMac (M4) evaluate
Ought to I purchase a Mac mini now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
$599 | $799 | $999
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, but it surely’s simply as highly effective as every other M4 geared up Mac. The efficiency and worth on supply for simply $599/£599 is superb, if you’re attempting to spec up a machine to fulfill increased 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 may have a good monitor you should utilize.
Is now a very good time to purchase a Mac mini?
We suggest 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. However since you should buy a good 4K show for lower than £300/$300 we don’t suppose that may be a huge drawback. See our round-up of the very best screens for Mac.
The M4 Professional Mac mini is a superb choice for anybody who wants inexpensive energy. The one purpose to carry off shopping for is if you wish to anticipate 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 a lot better worth at $1,299/£1,299.
If you wish to purchase a Mac mini now try our round-up of the Finest Mac mini offers.
Ought to I purchase a Mac Studio now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
£1,999
Final replace: June 2023Next replace: 2025
The Mac Studio arrived in March 2022 and we had been impressed by its processing energy, port flexibility and worth. In our evaluate we mentioned “The Mac Studio offers exciting processing prowess,” and added: “It may even be a suitable replacement for an Intel Mac Pro in certain situations.” 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 evaluate of the mannequin that arrived in June 2023, we mentioned that: “The Mac Studio is the ideal Mac–it’s powerful, priced appropriately, has lots of ports for connecting devices, and it won’t take up a lot of desk space,” and described it as a “complete package of processing power, features, and design”. An HDMI improve fixes one among our largest issues with the unique Mac Studio, bringing 8K show assist and assist for extra shows general.
Is now a very good time to purchase a Mac Studio?
Practically a 12 months 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 (until Apple jumps straight to the M5).
With an replace log overdue it actually seems to be probably that the Mac Studio will see an replace in 2025. We anticipate Apple to replace the mannequin both at, or earlier than, WWDC in June. If you happen to 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, benefit from the Finest Mac Studio offers, as a result of we do see some huge reductions on these fashions.
Learn our full
Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max, 2023) evaluate
Ought to I purchase a Mac Professional now or wait?
Worth When Reviewed:
From $6,999
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 primary good thing about the 2019 Mac Professional design is shared by the design of the 2023 Mac Professional: it presents PCIe growth slots (seven in complete) 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 numerous 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 a very good 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 usually 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 in case you want the ability then the Mac Professional isn’t wanting as enticing subsequent to its siblings
When the Mac Professional is lastly up to date we anticipate it to leap forward, so our suggestion it to attend. We anticipate an replace at, or earlier than, WWDC.
