Things are happening with Apple’s Macs. Let’s take a look at what Macs you should think twice about before buying.
We here at Macworld are always offering reasons and recommendations for buying a new Mac—but hold on! With the Apple Silicon transition in full swing, there’s a lot going on with Apple’s desktop and laptop computers, and if you buy one now, you might miss out on the next big thing with better features, improved speed, and longer battery life. Let’s take a look at what Macs you should think twice about before buying. Editor’s note: Updated on 10/12/21 the 13- and 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro and Intel Mac mini sections with information about the upcoming Apple “Unleashed” event. Current standard configurations: Possible upcoming replacement: 14- and 16-inch M1X MacBook Pro (2021) Roman Loyola/IDG Our advice: If a MacBook Pro is in your plans, it’s in your best interest to wait at least until after October 18. Several reports have stated that Apple could release new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros during the “Unleashed” event. These laptops will probably have the next-generation Apple silicon chip, the M1X, and it should offer a nice performance boost over the first Apple silicon laptops, the M1-equipped 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Apple could also outfit these laptops with mini-LED displays, more ports, a magnetic power adapter, and a better FaceTime camera. Those are a lot of new features—buy an Intel-based MacBook Pro now, and you’ll have serious buyer’s remorse later. Current standard configuration: Possible upcoming replacement: None. Our advice: This iMac was originally released in March 2019 and has not been updated since then. Apple keeps this model as its low-price offering ($1,099), but the company doesn’t make it very visible on its website—you have to use Apple’s compare Mac website to find and buy it. Since it’s so old, we don’t recommend buying this iMac even if you’re looking for the cheapest all-in-one. It’s better to wait and save an additional $200 to get the entry-level 24-inch M1 iMac, or buy a $699 Mac mini with an external display, keyboard, and mouse. Current standard configurations: Possible upcoming replacement: 32-inch M1X iMac (2022) Roman Loyola/IDG Our advice: Reports say that Apple will replace the 27-inch Intel-based iMac with a design that’s similar to the 24-inch model, with a much larger screen.
