Should I purchase the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro now, or should I wait?
Macworld
Although the MacBook Air is widely loved, certain users may require additional features. This could include better performance, a larger battery, more ports, or a bigger screen. In such cases, a 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro would better suit their needs.
Is it a wise decision to invest a significant amount of money in a product that you intend to use for a long time? Consider if this is the right time to make the purchase. In the constantly evolving world of technology, there is always something newer and better in the works. It may be beneficial to hold off for a bit if a significantly improved version is expected to be released soon.
The 2021 update for MacBook Pros brought significant enhancements to the screen, ports, and overall aesthetic. In January 2023, they received another update featuring the latest M2 Pro and M2 Max processors, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E, and other upgrades.
As of October 31, 2023, the MacBook Pros in 14- and 16-inch sizes have been upgraded to M3 processors, making this an opportune moment to make a purchase.
The prices and specifications for the 14- and 16-inch models of the MacBook Pro are as follows.
Released: October 2023
In October of 2023, the MacBook Pro in both 14 and 16-inch sizes received upgrades (with shipping beginning in early November). The 14-inch model is now available with an M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max, while the 16-inch model offers an M3 Pro or M3 Max.
14-inch MacBook Pro (M3, 2023)
16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023)
The 14-inch MacBook Pro has a starting price of $1,599, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499. Depending on the chosen processor, RAM, and storage options, the price can exceed $6,000.
Reasons to Purchase the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is an exceptional device that fulfills almost all of a professional user’s desired features. It is speedy, capable, and robust, positioning Apple’s pro laptop at the forefront of its competition. The newest model, with significant improvements to its display and design in 2021, also boasts a faster M3 Pro and M2 Max processor. Additionally, the 14-inch model now offers a base M3 processor at a reduced price.
Additionally, the Space Black color option is now offered for the M3 Pro and M3 Max models.
It is expected that these MacBook Pro models will not receive updates until at least 2024.
Why You Should Wait for the 14- and 16-Inch MacBook Pro
If you opted for the M2 Pro/Max version, the latest one may not offer significant upgrades to justify its cost.
Since the M3 models are freshly released, there currently aren’t many discounts available. However, if you wait until later in 2024, there may be some good deals or discounted refurbished models available.
If you choose to invest at this moment, make sure to refer to our list of top deals for MacBook Pro. You may be able to obtain some savings. Keep in mind that purchasing from a third-party sale may restrict your options for customization. This means you may have to accept the offered RAM and SSD configuration. However, if you are comfortable with this, you can save a significant amount of money.
Macworld recommends: BUY
With the recent release of the M3 upgrade for the MacBook Pro, now is a favorable moment to make a purchase. The 14- and 16-inch models are not expected to receive any further updates until late 2024. It is unlikely that there will be any noteworthy sales in the near future, so if you are hoping for a significant discount, you will likely have to wait for quite some time.
