Apple’s Latest Upgrade: A Light Refresh or a Worthwhile Investment?

The upcoming M5 MacBook Pro has been a topic of discussion among Apple enthusiasts, with many wondering whether it’s worth waiting for. According to recent rumors, Apple is deviating from its nearly annual update cycle, with the next MacBook Pro model expected to launch early next year. But should you hold out for the M5, or is it better to upgrade to the M4 model that’s currently on the market?

The M5 MacBook Pro is expected to feature the same 14-inch and 16-inch miniLED displays as prior models, along with the same general design language. However, the inside story is where things get interesting. The M5 will pack Apple’s latest M5 Apple Silicon, which is expected to adopt the third-generation 3nm process, using TSMC’s N3P node. This will yield modest performance gains of roughly 10-20% over the M4 model.

One notable hardware upgrade that may come to the M5 MacBook Pro is Wi-Fi 7, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 16 lineup last fall but has yet to include in the Mac lineup. Wi-Fi 7 promises faster speeds and improved connectivity, making it an attractive feature for those who rely on wireless networks for their work or personal projects.

However, the M5’s biggest selling point may not be its hardware upgrades, but rather its potential for future-proofing. With the M5 expected to be compatible with upcoming Apple technologies, such as the rumored AR/VR headset, it may be worth holding out for the next generation of Apple Silicon.

The M4 MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is a major refresh that offers many of the same features as the M5, but at a lower price point. With a starting price of $1299, the M4 is an attractive option for those who need a reliable and powerful laptop without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, the upcoming M6 MacBook Pro is expected to be a major overhaul, boasting a new OLED display, thinner design, and more. With the M5 expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026 and the M6 set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, it seems like a no-brainer to either buy an M4 model if you really need one, or hold out until the M6 if you have the patience.

The only exception to this rule is for those who really want Wi-Fi 7 on their MacBook. In that case, waiting for the M5 may be worth it. However, for most users, the M4 model is a more practical and cost-effective option.

Key Features of the M5 MacBook Pro

• Apple’s latest M5 Apple Silicon
• 3nm process with TSMC’s N3P node
• Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
• Compatible with upcoming Apple technologies
• Same 14-inch and 16-inch miniLED displays as prior models
• Same general design language as prior models

Key Features of the M4 MacBook Pro

• Apple’s M4 Apple Silicon
• 3nm process with TSMC’s N3P node
• Thunderbolt 5
• Nano texture display option
• 12MP Center Stage webcam
• Far brighter displays
• Much-improved base model offering
• Starting price of $1299

Key Features of the M6 MacBook Pro

• New OLED display
• Thinner design
• Compatible with upcoming Apple technologies
• Expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026

Ultimately, the decision to wait for the M5 or upgrade to the M4 model comes down to individual needs and priorities. If you need the latest and greatest technology and are willing to wait, the M5 may be the better choice. However, if you need a reliable and powerful laptop without breaking the bank, the M4 model is a more practical and cost-effective option.