- Apple’s M6 MacBook Pro will introduce several new technologies
- Yet it’s also a risky proposition for a number of reasons
- There are three main arguments for potentially avoiding the laptop
There’s been renewed talk about Apple’s M6 MacBook Pro and its OLED display, which could launch as soon as late 2026, according to a new report from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. But before that, a MacBook Pro equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are also expected to make an appearance within a matter of weeks. All of which raises an important question – are you better off getting the M5 model or waiting for the rumored M6 upgrade?
Well, there are three main points to consider here: the potential price of that OLED panel, the impact of the ongoing memory crisis, and issues that can arise from first-generation products. When you put all those factors together, it could make more sense to pull the trigger on the imminent M5-generation MacBook Pro, if you’re in the market for one of Apple’s laptops.
Let’s start with that OLED panel. Apple’s MacBook Pro has used mini-LED tech for a few years now. Yet while it results in a phenomenal viewing experience, the switch to OLED panels could take the improvements even further. What’s more, Apple is widely expected to build touchscreen functionality into these displays – when you combine that with the OLED improvement, we could see a significant price increase when the M6-generation of MacBook Pro rolls around, assuming all versions get that new display.
The concern among Apple fans is palpable. As user asp821 said on Reddit, “I can’t imagine the premium price of an OLED and touchscreen [MacBook Pro].” If your budget is limited – or you just don’t feel you need something like an OLED touchscreen display – opting for the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips might be the more sensible option.
Calculating the risks
Secondly, even if Apple manages to keep the price of the OLED touchscreen panel reasonable, it also has to contend with the ongoing RAM crisis.
Prices of memory modules have been surging all over the world, leading many people to question whether Apple will be able to absorb the price increases for much longer. While the company likely has agreements in place for the supply and cost of its components, we can’t rule out price adjustments in the face of such an unusual situation. The company has tweaked prices before – will it do so again now that RAM modules are in such short supply?
Finally, there’s the risk of upgrading to first-generation editions of new designs. Apple is generally pretty careful with any new features and functions it introduces, but it’s not immune to mistakes and bad experiences.
Everything from Apple Maps to the Vision Pro headset stumbled when their first editions were released, and it took time before Apple could iron out some of the kinks. And on the MacBook Pro, its 2016 models saw issues with its second-gen butterfly keyboard and a reported flexgate issue that was later addressed.
With the M6 MacBook Pro expected to be the company’s first stab at both an OLED laptop display and one outfitted with touchscreen capabilities, there’s an argument for waiting on the sidelines and holding off until a follow-up device makes an appearance further down the road.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that any of these concerns will be borne out in reality, and the M6 MacBook Pro could be a smash hit of epic proportions. If you have the cash and don’t mind shelling out extra to get the new features, the M6 MacBook Pro might still be a worthy option. But considering all the uncertainties surrounding it, you’d be forgiven for deciding that it’s one device that’s best to avoid – and that the M5 models are the less exciting, but more sensible, choice.
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alexblake.techradar@gmail.com (Alex Blake)
