Should You Buy the M5 MacBook Pro Now? The Redesign Isn’t Coming for Everyone

The current 14-inch MacBook Pro design is nearing five years old, and it’s no secret that Apple is working on a major redesign for its MacBook Pro lineup. However, despite significant changes on the horizon, there is still a compelling argument to be made for buying one today, especially if your budget is a primary concern.

First, a clarification: when we talk about the M5 MacBook Pro, we specifically mean the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip, not the higher-end M5 Pro or M5 Max versions. With those premium models, unless you genuinely need their raw power immediately, you’re almost certainly better off waiting for the redesign.

That said, there’s one excellent reason to consider buying the base model M5 MacBook Pro right now: If this is what fits your budget, the upcoming redesign won’t be available to you unless you’re willing to spend significantly more.

Key Takeaways: M5 vs. M6 MacBook Pro

Model	Redesign & OLED?	Approximate Starting Price	Target Audience
Base M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch)	❌ No (Current design)	~$1,699	Value-focused users, students, general productivity
M6 Pro / M6 Max MacBook Pro (14/16-inch)	✅ Yes (Expected late 2026/early 2027)	Likely $2,000+	Professionals, creatives, those needing top performance

The Redesign Is Coming Only to High-End Models

As things stand today, Apple is planning to launch its MacBook Pro redesign exclusively on the high-end M6 Pro and M6 Max models. According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED display and touch support is slated for release between late 2026 and early 2027, and there is currently no plan for a base model M6 MacBook Pro to receive this overhaul.

This strategy isn’t unprecedented. When the current design debuted in 2021, it was initially only available with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, starting at $1,999. The more affordable model with a base M3 chip didn’t arrive until 2023. It appears history will repeat itself, with the entry-level M6 MacBook Pro likely retaining the current design and a mini-LED screen .

What to Expect from the Redesigned MacBook Pro

The next-generation redesign is expected to bring several major upgrades, including:

OLED Display: A switch from mini-LED to OLED technology for deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
Touchscreen Support: A major shift for Apple, adding touch input to the Mac for the first time.
Thinner & Lighter Chassis: A completely revamped, more portable design.
Potential 5G Connectivity: Built-in cellular support for always-on connectivity.
Dynamic Island Cutout: A larger “hole-punch” screen cutout to replace the current notch.

The M5 MacBook Pro Remains a Great Value

If your budget is under $2,000, waiting for the redesigned M6 Pro or M6 Max model doesn’t make sense, as they will likely start at a significantly higher price point. Apple recently updated the base M5 MacBook Pro, bumping the standard storage to 1TB, which makes it an even better value.

Here are current prices for the M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch):

M5 (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD): $1,699
M5 Pro (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $2,199
M5 Max (16-inch, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD): $3,899

It’s not the most exciting choice, but the base model MacBook Pro is an incredible value. It offers a better screen and better performance than the MacBook Air without forcing you to splurge on a Pro chip. If you need a reliable, powerful laptop today, it’s a fantastic option.

Final Verdict

If you’re a potential MacBook Pro buyer but aren’t in the $2,000+ price range, the current M5 MacBook Pro is your best bet for the next couple of years. Unless you’re willing to pay a premium for the redesign, you shouldn’t wait.

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