Is the MacBook Pro M5 still worth buying after the price hike?
Following Apple's June 2026 price increases across most of its hardware, driven by a memory component shortage, buyers may want to wait or opt for a cheaper model instead of the MacBook Pro M5.
In June 2026, Apple raised prices across most of its hardware lineup, including the flagship MacBook Pro M5, largely due to a shortage of memory chips and rising costs of key components. The 1TB MacBook Pro M5 configuration alone has increased by roughly $300.
Analysts note that prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon, so simply waiting won't guarantee savings. However, Apple typically unveils new products at its annual fall event, and for 2026 a new device, possibly called the MacBook Ultra, is rumored. It could be the first MacBook to feature an OLED touchscreen.
Chips on the horizon
The MacBook Ultra is expected to use the same M5 Pro and M5 Ultra chips already on the market, but future models are anticipated to move to a next-generation M6 chip, followed later by an AI-focused M7. The more powerful versions might not arrive until 2027.
For those currently getting by with a decent MacBook, holding off on an upgrade is advisable. Even if the rumored Ultra model never materializes, buyers won't have missed any deals, since the MacBook Pro M5 is already at its highest price point ever.
Cheaper alternatives
For users who don't need Pro-level performance, downgrading is another option. Retailers such as Best Buy currently sell clearance M2 Pro MacBook Pro units for $1,599. MacBook Air prices have risen by $200 but models remain available for under $1,500. Meanwhile, the budget-friendly MacBook Neo has gone up by only $100, keeping it under $700 — nearly a third of the price of the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro M5.
The bottom line: unless an upgrade is urgently needed, it may be worth waiting a few months to see what Apple releases next, or considering a more affordable model instead.
