We here at Macworld are always offering reasons and recommendations for buying a new Mac — but hold on ! With the Apple Silicon conversion in full swing , there ’s a batch going on with Apple ’s desktop and laptop computer information processing system , and if you corrupt one now , you might miss out on the next boastful thing with better features , improved speed , and longer battery life story . lease ’s take a facial expression at what Macs you should think twice about before buying .
Don’t buy!
13- and 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro
Current standard configurations :
potential upcoming replacement:14- and 16 - inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro(2021 )
Roman Loyola / IDG
Our advice : If a MacBook Pro is in your plans , it ’s in your best sake to wait at least until after October 18 . Several reports have stated that Apple could issue new14- and 16 - inch MacBook Prosduring the“Unleashed ” event . These laptops will probably have the next - generation Apple Si scrap , the M1X , and it should offer a nice performance encouragement over the first Apple Si laptops , the M1 - equipped 13 - inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air . Apple could also equip these laptops with mini - LED displays , more ports , a magnetic great power adapter , and a better FaceTime photographic camera . Those are a lot of new feature — purchase an Intel - base MacBook Pro now , and you ’ll have serious buyer ’s self-reproach later .
21.5-inch Intel iMac
Current standard configuration :
potential coming replacement : None .
Our advice : This iMac was originally liberate in March 2019 and has not been updated since then . Apple keep open this example as its low - price oblation ( $ 1,099 ) , but the society does n’t make it very seeable on its website — you have to practice Apple’scompare Mac websiteto find and buy it . Since it ’s so former , we do n’t recommend buying this iMac even if you ’re looking for the cheapest all - in - one . It ’s serious to look and save an additional $ 200 to get the accounting entry - level 24 - column inch M1 iMac , or grease one’s palms a $ 699 Mac mini with an external display , keyboard , and mouse .
27-inch Intel iMac
potential upcoming replacement:27 - inch M1 Pro / M1Max iMac(2022 )
Our advice : Reports say that Apple will replace the 27 - inch Intel - based iMac with a design that ’s similar to the 24 - column inch model , with a much orotund screen . Most of the filmdom size increase is a result of smaller bezel , so a 32 - inch iMac could be close to the same overall size as the 27 - inch example . The Apple processor could be an M1X or M2X ; either chip will be loyal than the M1 in the 24 - inch iMac and the current Intel iMac . And the bigger iMac could have more ports . The only problem is that we will probably not see a new large - blind iMac until 2022 , and reports have not been very specific about the timeline . Even with a longish wait , but we highly suggest you hold out .
Intel Mac mini
potential forthcoming replacement : M1 Pro Mac mini(2021/2022 )
Our advice : Don’t buy the $ 1,099 Mac mini with an Intel CPU.Reportshave said that this model will get upgraded with the same rapid M1X Apple chip that will also be in the upcoming 14- and 16 - column inch MacBook Pros . The M1X Mac mini could be unveiled at the“Unleashed ” Apple event on October 18 , so wait at least until that daylight . There have also been rumor that this new Mac miniskirt will have a slender , redesigned font and also have four Thunderbolt ports alternatively of two . But the switch to dramatically faster Apple Si alone is enough to wait for a unexampled modeling .
You might want to wait
13-inch M1 MacBook Pro
potential upcoming replacement:14 - in MacBook Pro ( 2021 ) ; MacBook Air ( 2022 )
Our advice : The 13 - inch M1 MacBook Pro was released last November , almost a twelvemonth ago , and with reports of a Modern 14 - inch model on the direction , it ’s not clear what the future bear for Apple ’s smallest MacBook Pro . We do n’t lie with if Apple will break the 13 - inch M1 MacBook Pro , but with a close - very processor , display , and ports as the MacBook Air , it does n’t seem as though the 13 - column inch MacBook Pro is long for this man , especially with a newfangled MacBook Air likely on the way . The 13 - in MacBook Pro is a gravid performing artist , but unless you’re able to get one at a recondite price reduction , you might as well just get the MacBook Air .
13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)
M1 MacBook Air
Possible upcoming replacement : RedesignedMacBookAirwith M2 chip ( 2022 )
Our advice : Even though we just recommended the MacBook Air over the 13 - inch MacBook Pro , it ’s been almost a class since it was last updated with the M1 chip . It ’s still atremendous value , and if it ’s on your shopping list , you wo n’t be disappoint with your purchase . However , there are strong rumour that Apple will be updating the aviation with a complete redesign , butreportssay that it may not happen until mid - to late-2022 . But it might be worth the time lag — the next Air could have a mini - LED video display an M2 potato chip , and come in a variety of colors . However , even if toll is your precedence , you ’ll certainly get your money ’s deserving out of the current MacBook Air by the time the new one come around .
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
M1 Mac mini
Possible upcoming permutation : M1X Mac mini
Our advice : Apple issue the $ 699 and $ 899 M1 Mac miniskirt in November of 2020.We really like the $ 699 modeland it likely wo n’t be upgrade in the next few months , so you do n’t need to hesitate to pull the trigger on buying one . But with a new high - end model likely on the way ( see above ) , Apple may raise the current model with a faster check and a new case as well within the next few months .
Mac mini (M1, 2020)
You’re safe for a while
24-inch M1 iMac
Our advice : The24 - inch M1 iMacwas released this past leaping , so it ’s not going to be updated for a while . Unless you want to wait for a bombastic display , the M1 iMac will fulfill all of your all - on - one needs for year to arrive .
24-inch iMac (2021)
Mac Pro
$ 5,999:3.5GHz 8‑core Intel Xeon W mainframe , Radeon Pro 580X , 32 GB of RAM , 256 GB SSD
potential upcoming replacement : Apple silicon - based Mac Pro ( 2022/2023 )
Our advice : The Mac Pro is going to be the last Mac that Apple switches over to its own processors . Apple said its transition would take two years , and it part in November of 2020 . We likely wo n’t see the announcement Mac Pro with Apple Si until late 2022 at the earliest . However , that new Mac Procould be a processing beastwith a 20- or 40 - burden processor , so if you do n’t need one till then , your longanimity will be rewarded . But if you have the money and need to put now , do so without regrets . You ’re getting the most powerful Mac money can buy .
Mac Pro (2019)
