Updated September 2026: in October 2022 I argued that waiting for the M2 Pro MacBook Pro was not worth it, expecting only a small gain over the M1 Pro. I have rewritten it with what the M2 Pro delivered and a general rule for deciding whether to wait for a new chip.
With the M2 already out, many performance-focused buyers were waiting for an M2 Pro. My view was that it would not be the leap the M1 Pro had been, and that waiting would bring little benefit.
What did the M2 Pro deliver?
Apple released M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pros in January 2023. They brought solid gains in CPU and GPU performance and better battery life in some tasks, but kept the same design as the M1 Pro models. For most users, the difference from M1 Pro in everyday work was modest, which matched my expectation.
When is waiting for a new chip worth it?
- When the launch is weeks away, not months.
- When you need a specific capability the new chip adds.
- When the older model will be discounted at launch and you are happy to buy that.
When is it better to buy now?
When your current laptop is failing or slowing your work, or when the gain is incremental. Performance increases between Apple silicon generations have usually been steady rather than dramatic.
What matters more than the chip?
Memory and storage, which cannot be upgraded, and the screen and battery. A previous-generation Pro with more memory can be better value than a new one with less.
How do you find a good deal on the older model?
Watch for price drops after launches and during festive sales, and consider certified refurbished units with warranty.
How long will an M1 Pro or M2 Pro last?
Several more years for most work. Both have strong performance and efficiency; software support and battery health will decide when to replace them, not speed.
Was I right?
Largely. The M1 Pro remained a very capable machine, and buyers who did not wait lost little.
No comments
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.