Best time to buy a Mac: Should you buy a Mac or MacBook now?

• Last update: March 2024
• Next update: Spring 2025

There are three versions of the MacBook Air available to buy right now. There are two 13-inch models: one with an M2 chip that launched in July 2022 and one with an M3 chip that went on sale in March 2024. There is also a 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 that was updated in March 2024, which we discuss below.

The M2 MacBook Air, with its brand-new design, arrived in the summer of 2022. It gained a MagSafe charging port, meaning that two USB-C ports are available. In our 13-inch M2 MacBook Air review we described it as “just right for nearly every user” thanks to its improved display with thinner bezels, full-size function row, killer battery life and outstanding performance in its class. There are still some areas that let it down though, for example, the fact that you can’t plug in more than one other monitor, unless you close the MacBook lid or follow this workaround: How to connect two or more external displays to Apple Silicon Macs.

When the M3 version of the MacBook Air arrived in spring 2024 we were impressed, finding that the M3 chip gave a nice performance boost. In October 2024, with the arrival of the M4 in the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air does look a little less impressive, but Apple increased the unified memory (RAM) in the M3 and M2 MacBook Air, from 8GB to 16GB, paving the way for Apple Intelligence.

Is now a good time to buy a 13-inch MacBook Air?

• No

The M2 MacBook Air is an excellent machine and it is the cheapest Mac laptop right now. However, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip only costs $100/£100 more, so our advice would be to pay a little extra for better specs. In October 2024 the M3 MacBook Air had a RAM boost, which is certainly a point in favor of buying one right now, but, with the MacBook Pro gaining an M4 chip at the same time, it’s likely that the MacBook Air will get a similar update soon.

Our recommendation is that if you find a good discount on the price of the M3 MacBook Air check that the model being sold includes the now standard 16GB RAM, rather than 8GB RAM. If you find a 16GB equipped M3 MacBook Air at a good price then it will be a good buy, as long as you are prepared for disappointment in early 2025 when the MacBook Air is upgraded. If you want to buy a MacBook Air now check out our round-up of the Best MacBook Air deals.

• Last update: June 2023
• Next update: Spring 2025

There is another MacBook Air to consider. In our review of the 15-inch MacBook Air we said 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”. But if you prefer larger laptops then the 15-inch MacBook Air will save you thousands compared to the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

It offers better battery life than the smaller model and offers a larger screen, and while it costs a bit more than the 13-inch model, it is much less than the other Mac laptops with larger screens. The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,599/£1,599, while the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299/£1,399.

Is now a good time to buy a 15-inch MacBook Air?

• No

Apple launched the 15-inch MacBook Air in March 2024, but while it’s still less than a year old, we do expect that Apple will update it in early 2025 with the M4 chip that arrived in the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini in October 2024.

One point in favor of the 15-inch MacBook Air is that Apple doubled the unified memory (RAM) in October 2024, so there is at least 16GB RAM as standard in the 15-inch MacBook Air, which should mean that if you find a good deal on a 16GB RAM-equipped model you won’t regret spending your money.

• Last update: October 2024
• Next update: October 2025

Apple upgraded the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max in October 2024. We don’t expect to see another update until at least the fall of 2025.

When we reviewed the MacBook Pro M4 model we found it offered a good performance boost over the MacBook Pro M3. The boost from 8GB to 16GB unified memory is one benefit, another gain comes in the form of an extra Thunderbolt/USB 4 port. In our review we described the M4 MacBook Pro 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”.

If you are a pro user who needs a little more oomph then the M4 Pro or M4 Max models offer more ports (including Thunderbolt 5) and superior power. In our review of the M4 Pro models we said they “have what it takes to conquer your processing demands”. Read our review here: 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 review.

Is now a good time to buy a 14-inch MacBook Pro?

• Yes

At $1,599/£1,599 the price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 is a high compared to the 15-inch MacBook Air, which you can get for $1,299/£1,299, but the latter still only offers the M3 chip and the M4 in the MacBook Pro is leaps ahead. So or recommendation right now is to buy the MacBook Pro if you see a good deal. If you find a deal on the older M3 MacBook Pro we would advise against it because that model has less RAM.

If it’s the M4 Pro or M4 Max edition you are after, our recommendation is buy one, you won’t be disappointed. If you want to get the best price for a new MacBook Pro check out our round-up of the Best MacBook Pro deals.

• Last update: October 2024
• Next update: October 2025

Alongside the 14-inch MacBook Pro, in October 2024, Apple introduced a 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max. When we reviewed the M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro model 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 need the ultimate in processing muscle, you really want an M4 Max chip, but if a $3,499/£3,499 laptop is out of your budget, the M4 Pro models have what it takes to conquer your processing demands.

The larger 16-inch model costs more than it’s smaller sibling, but if you need more battery life and a bigger screen then this is the model for you.

If you’re still using an Intel-based MacBook Pro, it’s time to upgrade.

For more advice read our comparison of all the MacBook Pro models.

Is now a good time to buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro?

• Yes

The 16-inch MacBook Pro was updated in October 2024, so we don’t expect another update for some time. If you can find a good deal then definitely buy one.

If it’s power you need and portability isn’t a factor, you may also want to consider the M4 Pro in the Mac mini and a display as a much cheaper option than the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

• Last update: October 2024
• Next update: Late 2025/2026

The 24-inch iMac is eye-catching, both in terms of the quality of the 4.5K display and the colorful case. The M4 model arrived in October 2024 with each model available in blue, green, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and silver, with all but silver offering a bold tone on the back that is complemented by a paler version on the front.

On the inside the differences are impressive. As we said in our review, “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 the same as you can find in the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro and Mac mini. The iMac is less expensive than the MacBook Pro, starting at $1,299/£1,299 compared to $1,599/£1,599 for the MacBook Pro, but the MacBook Pro is better equipped, with a 10-core GPU, rather than the 8-core GPU found in that entry-level iMac. There’s also double the storage in the MacBook (512GB compared to 256GB). If you are looking for the best value though, the Mac mini is much cheaper than the iMac, starting at $599/£599 for the same spec.

Is now a good time to buy a 24-inch iMac?

• Yes

While we feel that it is overpriced, we accept that there are places for which the iMac is ideal–reception desks, living rooms, and so on. If If you’re looking for a new, complete Mac setup– a computer, display, and input devices–the M4 iMac is a great choice.

If you do want to buy one then do not pay full price, check our round-up of the best iMac deals.

If you need an iMac that is designed with creative pros in mind you should look at the Mac mini with M4 Pro.

• Last update: October 2024
• Next update: Late 2025/2026

Apple introduced the M4 Mac mini and M4 Pro Mac mini in October 2024. The Mac mini with M4 or M4 Pro is the long awaited successor to the M2 Mac mini and M2 Pro version.

The Mac mini is now even smaller, but it’s just as powerful as any other M4 equipped Mac. The performance and value on offer for just $599/£599 is excellent, if you are trying to spec up a machine to meet higher demands we found that can be expensive, but that is the case with all of Apple’s build-to-order options.

The pro version of the Mac mini does much to fill the gap left by the removal of the 27-inch iMac, as long as you have a decent monitor you can use.

Is now a good time to buy a Mac mini?

• Yes

We recommend the M4 Mac mini. It offers the same specs as the other M4 Macs for much less money, the only difference being the absence of a screen. But since you can buy a decent 4K display for less than £300/$300 we don’t think that is a big problem. See our round-up of the best monitors for Mac.

The M4 Pro Mac mini is a great option for anyone who needs affordable power. The only reason to hold off buying is if you want to wait for Apple to update the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra. However, the Mac Studio starts at $1,999/£2,099, while the M2 Pro Mac mini offers much better value at $1,299/£1,299.

If you want to buy a Mac mini now check out our round-up of the Best Mac mini deals.

Last update: June 2023
Next update: 2025

The Mac Studio arrived in March 2022 and we were impressed by its processing power, port flexibility and price. In our review we said “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 model was replaced by a Mac Studio with M2 Max or M2 Ultra back in June 2023, but there hasn’t been an update in 2024.

In our review of the model that arrived in June 2023, we said 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 upgrade fixes one of our biggest problems with the original Mac Studio, bringing 8K display support and support for more displays overall.

Is now a good time to buy a Mac Studio?

• No

Nearly a year and a half after the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra arrived in June 2023, the M4 Max has arrived in the MacBook Pro. That chip which will eventually be destined for the Mac Studio, along with the M4 Ultra (unless Apple jumps straight to the M5).

With an update log overdue it certainly looks likely that the Mac Studio will see an update in 2025. We expect Apple to update the model either at, or before, WWDC in June. If you need a powerful machine in the meantime then you are better off considering the M4 Pro Mac mini or M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pro.

Alternatively, take advantage of the Best Mac Studio deals, because we do see some big discounts on these models.

• Last update: June 2023
• Next update: 2025

Apple launched the current Mac Pro in June 2023, three and a half years after the range was last updated in December 2019. That was the first update since December 2013 (which was a wait of six years!)

The main benefit of the 2019 Mac Pro design is shared by the design of the 2023 Mac Pro: it offers PCIe expansion slots (seven in total) and its modular design should mean that there is the potential for SSD upgrades down the line (although RAM won’t be upgradable and nor will the GPU or CPU).

The Mac Pro has a lot of competition in the form of the Mac Studio, which offers the exact same spec as the Mac Studio and is cheaper. The Mac Pro brings an extra fan, more ports and there is a rack-mounted option.

Is now a good time to buy a Mac Pro?

• No

The disadvantage is that Apple hasn’t updated the Mac Pro (or Mac Studio) since mid 2023. While Apple often waits a long time between Mac Pro updates, the M4 Pro has more than caught up with the M2 Max and the M4 Max has edged ahead of the M2 Ultra, so if you need the power then the Mac Pro isn’t looking as attractive next to its siblings

When the Mac Pro is finally updated we expect it to leap ahead, so our recommendation it to wait. We expect an update at, or before, WWDC.