Why Your Next MacBook Purchase Could Be a Huge Mistake Right Now

Dropping extra cash on Apple hardware is never easy, but recent price hikes across the MacBook lineup make buying a new machine harder to swallow than ever. With memory shortages driving component prices up, standard configurations like the 1TB MacBook Pro M5 have skyrocketed by roughly $300. Before you fork over your hard-earned money, you need to evaluate whether upgrading right now actually makes sense for your wallet.

Key Details

In June 2026, Apple raised prices across most of its hardware lineup due to severe component shortages and rising memory costs. If you missed out on buying earlier, waiting for a discount probably will not yield any savings, as prices are expected to stay high. However, waiting out the current pricing storm until Fall could get you significantly better hardware for your money.

Industry expectations point toward a potential MacBook Ultra release later this year. This rumored flagship laptop is expected to introduce an OLED touchscreen experience to MacBooks for the very first time. While it may run on M5 Pro or M5 Ultra chips initially—with M6 and AI-focused M7 chips slated for future launches around 2027—buying an expensive M5 model right now could leave you with an obsolete display in just a few months.

If you cannot wait for new hardware, consider shifting your gaze toward Apple's entry-level models. The MacBook Air M5 saw a $200 price bump but remains under $1,500, offering fast performance and a sleek build. Meanwhile, the sub-$700 MacBook Neo remains Apple's most affordable machine. Even with a modest $100 price increase, our reviewer noted that it delivers a brighter screen and faster speed than competing $600 Windows PCs.

Why This Matters

Hardware prices are hitting record highs, making tech purchases a major decision for your budget. Spending almost three times as much for an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 over a MacBook Neo only makes sense if your daily workload absolutely demands top-tier rendering or heavy processing power. If your routine mostly consists of web browsing, word processing, streaming, and multitasking, holding onto your current machine—or stepping down to an Air or Neo—saves you massive amounts of cash.

Furthermore, dropping top dollar on a device that lacks upcoming features like an OLED touchscreen could lead to instant buyer's remorse. If you are currently working on a solid machine like an M1 Pro, hanging on for a few extra months lets you see what Apple unveils before committing your money.

The Bottom Line

Unless your current laptop is completely failing and you require maximum computing performance immediately, hold off on buying the MacBook Pro M5 at its current peak price. Wait a few months for Apple's upcoming announcements to see if the rumored MacBook Ultra with a touchscreen materializes. If you must buy now and refuse to pay an arm and a leg, look for clearance deals on M2 Pro models around $1,599 or grab the budget-friendly MacBook Neo to get the most bang for your buck.