Why the M5 MacBook Pro Might Be the Smarter Buy Than Waiting for the M6

The recently launched M5 MacBook Pro delivers solid performance gains, but it’s largely a spec bump over the M4—leading many to wonder if they should wait for the M6 models, which are rumored to bring a radical redesign, slimmer chassis, and even a touchscreen. However, before you commit to sitting this generation out, there are compelling reasons why the M5 might actually be the better choice.

The Price Problem: M6 Models Will Likely Cost More

If you’re waiting for the M6 MacBook Pro, prepare for potential sticker shock. Apple has a consistent pattern: when a model receives a significant redesign, the price jumps accordingly.

Since the high-end M1 MacBook Pros debuted in late 2021, the entry-level model has maintained the same starting price through the M4 generation. Minor updates typically see minimal price changes, often offset by increased specs—like when Apple doubled base storage from 512GB to 1TB between the M4 and M5 models to compensate for a $100 increase.

But when Apple introduces major design changes, prices rise substantially. The 15-inch MacBook Pro jumped from $1,999 to $2,399 with its 2016 redesign, then to $2,499 with the 2021 Apple silicon redesign. The rumored M6 redesign—with its thinner profile and new features—will almost certainly command a premium.

The Waiting Game: High-End Models May Be Delayed

If you’re specifically waiting for the M6 Pro or Max models, you may be in for a longer wait than expected. Apple has repeatedly delayed launching high-end MacBook Pro models:

• The M1 MacBook Pro launched in November 2020, but M1 Pro and Max versions didn’t arrive until October 2021
• The M2 MacBook Pro debuted in June 2022, with Pro and Max versions following in January 2023
• The M5 MacBook Pro arrived in October 2025, but Pro and Max versions aren’t launching until March 2026

This pattern suggests that even if M6 MacBook Pros are announced this year, you might only see the base model initially, with Pro and Max versions arriving months later—potentially a full year from now.

Feature Fragmentation: New Features May Only Come to High-End Models

Apple has a troubling habit of reserving new designs and features for higher-end models, leaving base models in limbo:

• After the 2016 redesign, the 2015 Retina MacBook Pro remained available for two more years
• Only high-end 2016 models received the Touch Bar and four Thunderbolt ports initially
• Even after Apple silicon transition, a low-end model with the old design and Touch Bar continued selling for two years

If you’re considering the base model for its excellent display and port selection without needing maximum performance, you might find yourself excluded from the M6’s most exciting features.

The M5 Advantage: Available Now With Proven Design

The M5 MacBook Pro offers several compelling advantages:

Immediate availability: No waiting months or potentially a year for the model you want

Proven design: The current chassis has been refined since 2021 and is beloved by users

Price certainty: No risk of unexpected price increases with redesign

Solid performance gains: While not revolutionary, the M5 delivers meaningful improvements over the M4

Feature-complete: Gets all the benefits of Apple’s current MacBook Pro design without compromise

The Bottom Line

While the prospect of a redesigned M6 MacBook Pro with a touchscreen is exciting, the practical realities of Apple’s product strategy suggest the M5 might be the smarter purchase. You’ll get immediate availability, a proven design, and potentially save money compared to waiting for a more expensive, delayed redesign that might only benefit high-end models.

Sometimes the best upgrade is the one you can actually buy and use today—not the one you’re waiting for that might cost more, arrive later, and exclude the features you actually want.

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