While the MacBook Air is tremendously popular, some users need a little bit more. More performance, a bigger battery, more ports, a larger screen…if you need more, you need a 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Before you spend all that money on something you hope to keep and use for years, it’s worth asking if this is a good time to buy. In the world of computers, there’s always something better on the way, but if it’s a lot better and it’s coming soon, you might want to wait.
The MacBook Pros got a huge update in 2021, with improvements to the display, ports, and overall design. In January 2023 they were updated again, with new M2 Pro and M2 Max processors, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E, and more.
Update 01/31/23: With the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros just updated, it will probably be at least a year before they’re updated again, making this a pretty good time to buy.
14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro: Pricing and specs
Released: January 2023
The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro got a nice upgrade in January 2023, with faster M2 Pro and Max processors, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E, and more.
Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)
Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)
The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,999. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499. There are processor, RAM, and storage options that can push it over $6,000.
14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro: Why you should buy
The MacBook Pro is a tremendous machine that checks off nearly every box on a pro user’s wishlist. It’s fast, capable, and powerful, and brings Apple’s pro laptop into the forefront of the pack. After receiving huge upgrades to the display and design in 2021, the latest model upgrades the processor to the faster M2 Pro and M2 Max, improves battery life a little, and adds some nice little improvements like HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 6E.
These MacBook Pro models will likely not be updated again until 2024.
14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro: Why you should wait
If you sprang for the M1 Pro/Max model, the new one probably isn’t enough of an upgrade to justify the price.
As these new M2 Pro/Max models are brand new, there aren’t a lot of discounts yet. If you wait until later in 2023, you might find some decent sales, or refurbished models at a reduced price.
If you do decide to make the investment right now, be sure to check our best MacBook Pro deals roundup, as you might be able to save some money. The catch with shopping at one of these third-party sales is that customization options are limited, so for example, you have to settle for whatever RAM and SSD configuration is being offered. But if you’re fine with that, you’ll save a lot of cash.
Macworld recommends: BUY
Now that the MacBook Pro has its M2 upgrade, this is a pretty good time to buy. The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro may not be updated again until 2024. There probably won’t even be any significant sales until later in 2023, so if you want to wait for a big discount, you’re going to be waiting a while.