Should you buy a MacBook now or wait? After the Apple price increase 2026 lifted Mac prices by as much as $300 on 25 June, the question has become one of the most searched tech queries of the year. The honest answer depends on your timeline, but the market data points firmly in one direction.
That direction is up. Industry trackers and chip executives broadly agree that the memory shortage driving these costs will persist into 2027, which reshapes the usual wait for a better deal logic.
Current MacBook prices after the increase
Apple reset its laptop lineup in June, so your baseline has changed. The current starting prices stand at:
- MacBook Neo: $699, up from $599.
- MacBook Air, 512GB: $1,299, up from $1,099.
- MacBook Pro, 1TB: $1,999, up from $1,699.
These figures matter because they reset what counts as a good deal. For the full breakdown across every device, see our list of Apple products that increased in price.
Reasons to buy a MacBook now
First, prices are unlikely to fall soon. The memory shortage driving these costs is forecast to last well into 2027, and Intel chief executive Lip-Bu Tan has said there is “no relief until 2028.” Waiting, in other words, may not save you money.
Second, today’s MacBooks remain excellent. The M5 chips deliver strong performance and long battery life, and that value does not expire when a new model appears. Third, future configurations could ship with less memory or storage at the same price, since rivals have already trimmed specifications to manage costs. Buying now locks in the current configuration.
Reasons to wait
Patience still has merits. If a refresh is close, you gain newer hardware for a similar outlay. Additionally, some retailers still hold older stock at pre increase prices, so a well timed sale could offset part of the hike.
Finally, if your current laptop works fine, waiting costs you nothing today. Many analysts now advise consumers to hold existing devices longer during the crunch, a notable shift from the usual upgrade advice.
Expert forecasts on future MacBook prices
The expert consensus leans firmly toward higher, not lower, pricing. Fortune reported that few expect the crisis to subside soon, since a new memory fab takes two to three years to build and most projects will not deliver volume until 2027.
Micron chief executive Sanjay Mehrotra expects the shortage to last through 2027, with supply improving by 2028, while Counterpoint Research points to late 2027 at the earliest for any inflection. A meaningful price drop before that window looks unlikely, as we explain in will Apple prices return to normal.
| “The storm isn’t over yet, this is just the beginning.” Nabila Popal, Senior Director, IDC |
Upcoming Apple events and the calendar
Apple usually refreshes Macs in the autumn and spring, and it holds its September event, where iPhone news dominates but Mac updates sometimes appear. If a refresh aligns with your timeline, waiting a few weeks could make sense.
Outside those windows, however, the calendar offers little reason to delay, especially while component costs keep climbing.
The best time to buy a MacBook
The best time to buy is when you need the machine and a fair price is available. During a shortage, perfect timing is rare, so focus on value rather than chasing a dip that may not come.
Watch for education discounts, certified refurbished stock and seasonal sales, which often beat the headline price by a meaningful margin.
Practical buying tips
- Buy only the storage and memory you truly need, since later upgrades now cost more.
- Compare the MacBook Air against strong Windows alternatives before committing.
- Check refurbished and education stores for pre increase pricing.
If your laptop still performs, consider waiting out the worst of the squeeze rather than overpaying
