If you’re planning to buy a new MacBook Pro, you might want to hold off for another week. Apple has confirmed its next product event, dubbed “Pro and Tell”, for 28 October 2026, and we’re expecting some interesting MacBook announcements.
According to Reuters, Apple will be hosting the event in Los Angeles, with reports suggesting that the company could finally introduce its first touchscreen MacBook Pro. But does that mean you should immediately buy the newest model when it arrives? Not necessarily.
What’s coming to the MacBook Pro?
Based on the latest MacRumors report, Apple is expected to introduce two rather different MacBook Pro upgrades. The first is an updated 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M6 chip. This model is expected to retain the existing design, with most of the improvements coming from the newer processor.
The second is a redesigned MacBook Pro featuring an OLED touchscreen, thinner and lighter construction, and potentially an iPhone-like Dynamic Island replacing the traditional display notch.
These premium models are rumoured to continue using M5 Pro and M5 Max processors rather than newer M6 Pro or M6 Max chips. Of course, none of these specifications has been officially confirmed by Apple, so we’ll have to see what actually gets announced.
Do we really need a touchscreen MacBook Pro?
One of the biggest talking points is obviously the touchscreen. Personally, I don’t think having a touchscreen on a laptop is necessary. When I’m working on a computer, I generally prefer using a keyboard and mouse rather than constantly reaching towards the screen.
Sure, touchscreen functionality might be handy for certain creative applications, scrolling through content, or interacting with specific software. But is it something that would dramatically improve my productivity? I don’t think so.
The rumoured OLED display, on the other hand, is certainly more interesting. Better contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially improved power efficiency are all welcome improvements, especially for professionals working with visual content. However, OLED panels and touchscreen technology could also make the redesigned MacBook Pro more expensive.And that brings us to the more important question: value for money.
Australian MacBook Pro prices are already quite high
Looking at Apple Australia’s current pricing, the 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at A$3,199 with the M5 chip. If you want an M5 Pro model, you’re looking at A$3,999, while the M5 Max configuration starts at A$6,399.
These aren’t exactly small purchases. For someone doing everyday office work, browsing, video conferencing, and occasional photo editing, I would seriously question whether spending thousands more on the latest MacBook Pro is worthwhile. Even for professionals, the decision should ultimately depend on the applications they use and whether the additional processing power would genuinely improve their workflow.
Should you wait or buy the current MacBook Pro?
My recommendation would depend on your situation.
If your current laptop is working perfectly fine and you’re planning an upgrade, I’d definitely wait until 28 October. We’re only days away from the announcement, so there’s little reason to rush. You can then compare the new models, see their actual Australian prices, and decide whether the improvements justify the cost.
There’s another potential benefit to waiting: existing M5 MacBook Pro models might receive discounts from retailers once the newer versions arrive. And frankly, buying a slightly older MacBook Pro at a substantial discount could be a smarter purchase than paying full price for the latest model.
On the other hand, if your laptop has stopped working and you urgently need a replacement for work, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing an existing model now. Ultimately, I wouldn’t buy a new MacBook Pro simply because it has the latest processor or a shiny touchscreen. I’d rather spend my money on features and performance improvements that actually matter.
With Apple’s announcement just around the corner, waiting another week seems like the sensible decision for anyone who isn’t in a hurry.
