Should You Buy the Base M5 MacBook Pro Now Despite Upcoming Redesign?

Apple’s long-awaited redesign of its MacBook Pro lineup is finally on the horizon, but consumers hoping for an overhaul of the base model are in for a disappointment. Scheduled for fall 2025, the redesign will debut exclusively on the M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, leaving budget-conscious buyers with the current M5 generation—for now. For those who need a high-performance laptop without splurging on the redesigned high-end models, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 silicon remains a compelling option, particularly as Apple rolls out discounts and standardizes 1TB of base storage, enhancing its value proposition.

• The base M5 MacBook Pro offers strong performance and screen quality at a lower price point than redesigned high-end models.
• Apple’s redesign will initially launch only on M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, likely pushing the base model redesign to 2028 or later.
• Current discounts on the M5 MacBook Pro—up to $200 off on Amazon—make it a cost-effective alternative to waiting for redesign features.

Why Apple’s MacBook Pro Redesign Won’t Reach Base Models Right Away

Apple’s strategy of reserving major design overhauls for its flagship models is not new. When the company debuted the current MacBook Pro design in October 2021, it was paired exclusively with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, priced starting at $1,999. The more affordable base model with M3 silicon didn’t arrive until two years later, in January 2023, priced at $1,599. Industry analysts and supply chain insiders suggest Apple is likely to repeat this pattern with the upcoming redesign, which is expected to feature an OLED display, a thinner chassis, potential touchscreen functionality, and even 5G cellular connectivity.

A Glimpse at the Redesigned MacBook Pro’s Expected Features

Leaked schematics, supply chain reports from 2024, and analyst predictions from Ming-Chi Kuo and others point to a significant refresh for the Pro lineup. Key upgrades include an OLED display with ProMotion support, a revamped thermal architecture to accommodate higher-performance chips, and a possible reintroduction of touch-sensitive controls on the keyboard deck—similar to the Touch Bar concept but potentially more refined. Additionally, Apple may integrate 5G modems from Qualcomm, enabling cellular connectivity without the need for a paired iPhone. These features, however, are expected to debut only on the M6 Pro and M6 Max configurations, which are likely to start at $2,499 or higher.

How the M5 MacBook Pro Stands as a Budget-Friendly Powerhouse Now

Despite the anticipation surrounding the redesign, the base M5 MacBook Pro remains a highly capable machine for most users. Powered by Apple’s latest silicon in the M5 generation, it delivers up to 15% faster CPU performance and 30% faster GPU performance compared to its M3 predecessor, according to Apple’s internal benchmarks. The base model now ships with 16GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD as standard—a notable upgrade from previous generations, where 512GB was often the entry point. With current promotions, shoppers can find the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro starting at $1,549 on Amazon, a price that drops to as low as $1,399 during seasonal sales.

Real-World Value: Comparing M5 MacBook Pro Configurations

For users weighing their options, the pricing tiers reflect clear value differentiation. The base model with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD is priced at $1,549, while stepping up to 24GB of memory adds $250, and 32GB—ideal for developers or creative professionals—brings the total to $1,999. These prices are competitive with Windows Ultrabooks that offer similar performance but often lack the seamless integration with macOS, Touch ID, and the optimized battery life Apple’s silicon provides. Even at these prices, the M5 MacBook Pro undercuts the anticipated starting price of the redesigned M6 Pro models by at least $500.

Who Should Buy the M5 MacBook Pro Now—and Who Should Wait?

The decision to purchase the M5 MacBook Pro hinges largely on budget and need. Users whose primary requirements include a 14-inch screen, reliable performance for productivity tasks, and long battery life will find the base model more than sufficient. It’s ideal for students, remote workers, and professionals who rely on apps like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Lightroom, or Xcode but don’t require the multi-core processing power of the Pro or Max chips. However, content creators working with 4K video, 3D rendering, or developers running multiple virtual machines may find the M5’s limitations prohibitive as their workloads scale.

When to Consider Waiting for the Redesign

Prospective buyers should consider waiting if they prioritize cutting-edge display technology, such as OLED with adaptive refresh rates, or if they require advanced connectivity like 5G. Additionally, those who value touch functionality or thinner bezels may find the redesign worth the wait—assuming it arrives on schedule in fall 2025. However, given Apple’s historical timeline, it’s possible the base model redesign may not materialize until 2027 or later, especially if supply chain constraints around OLED panel production or advanced chip packaging persist.

Apple’s Pricing Strategy: Balancing Innovation and Accessibility

Apple’s tiered release strategy serves dual purposes: it rewards early adopters of premium technology while maintaining a lower-cost entry point that appeals to a broader audience. This approach mirrors the company’s rollout of the iPhone, where flagship features like ProMotion and Dynamic Island debuted on Pro models before trickling down to the base lineup. By launching the redesign on high-end MacBook Pro models first, Apple ensures that enthusiasts and professionals willing to pay a premium get first access to innovation, while the rest of the market benefits from incremental improvements over time.

The Role of Discounts and Promotions in the M5 MacBook Pro’s Value Proposition

Retailers and Apple’s own online store have recently offered substantial discounts on the M5 MacBook Pro. Third-party sellers on Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo are slashing prices by as much as $200, bringing the entry-level model down to $1,399—a rare opportunity for buyers seeking to future-proof their laptops without overspending. These discounts, combined with Apple’s standard 1TB SSD, make the M5 MacBook Pro a stronger value proposition than the base M3 model was at launch, when 512GB storage was standard.

What the Future Holds: Will the Base Model Ever Get the Redesign?

While Apple has not officially confirmed whether a redesigned base model MacBook Pro will ever launch, industry patterns suggest it’s likely—just not imminently. Based on Apple’s product cycle, a base model redesign could arrive in 2028 or 2029, three to four years after the Pro models. This timeline allows Apple to refine production techniques, reduce component costs, and validate demand for new features like OLED and touch functionality. Until then, users seeking a balance of performance and affordability will continue to rely on the M5 generation.

Expert and User Reactions: Is the Base M5 Pro Worth It?

‘The M5 MacBook Pro is a sweet spot for anyone who doesn’t need the bleeding-edge features of the redesigned models but still wants the power and build quality of a Pro machine,’ said tech analyst Carolina Milanesi. ‘With the improved base storage and current discounts, it’s hard to argue against it for most users.’

User feedback on platforms like Reddit and MacRumors indicates broad satisfaction with the M5 MacBook Pro, particularly among those upgrading from Intel-based Macs or older M1/M2 models. Many praise the sustained performance, improved thermals, and the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster connectivity in congested networks. However, some creative professionals note limitations with external display support on the base M5, which maxes out at one external monitor at 6K resolution—compared to two on the Pro and Max variants.

Alternatives to Consider Before Committing

For users torn between waiting and buying now, alternatives include the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3, which starts at $999 and offers portability and solid performance for everyday tasks. However, it lacks the thermal headroom for sustained heavy workloads and features a smaller, non-mini-LED display. Another option is the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3, which starts at $1,599 and offers a balanced configuration with 18GB RAM and 512GB storage. While it doesn’t have the latest M5 chip, it benefits from Apple’s longer software support window and broader compatibility with peripherals.

Final Verdict: Buy Now or Wait?

Ultimately, the choice to purchase the base M5 MacBook Pro now depends on your immediate needs and budget. If you require a reliable, high-performance laptop today and can take advantage of current discounts, the value is clear. The redesign’s exclusion from the base model means early adopters of the M5 will enjoy a stable, supported device for years to come—likely until 2029 or beyond. For those willing to wait for OLED, touch, and 5G, the redesigned M6 Pro and M6 Max may justify the premium, but the wait could extend beyond a year.

Key Takeaways for Potential Buyers

• The M5 MacBook Pro base model offers strong value with current discounts and 1TB standard storage, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
• Apple’s redesign will debut on M6 Pro and M6 Max chips in fall 2025, with no confirmed base model redesign until at least 2028.
• The M5 delivers significant performance gains over M3 but lacks advanced features like OLED and 5G, which are reserved for higher-end models.
• Users needing only one external display, moderate workloads, or long-term software support will find the M5 a practical choice.
• Creative professionals or power users may prefer waiting for the redesigned Pro models or considering alternatives like the M3 MacBook Pro.

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