When to Upgrade: MacBook Pro with M1 Chip or Wait for M1X

When considering a new MacBook, many users are left wondering whether it's worth waiting for the rumored M1X or if the current M1 MacBook Pro meets their needs.

The Myth of M1X

There is a prevalent rumor about an M1X model, which is purely speculative and not confirmed by Apple. It is important to note that as of the time of this writing, Apple has not released any product named M1X. What has been officially announced is the M1 Pro and M1 Max from 2021, which are powerful upgrades to the original M1 chip but cater more to professional users due to their increased GPU cores.

For those who are not specifically in need of the extra GPU cores that the M1 Max offers, the M1 Pro might serve as a better choice, given its balance between performance and price.

Why Hold Off on Purchase?

Given the strong likelihood that an M1X will be released in the coming months, it would be wise to hold off on buying the current M1 MacBook Pro. The M1X is expected to be a significant upgrade over the current M1 models, boasting more CPU and GPU cores, additional ports, and potentially better hardware performance overall.

Current M1 MacBook Pro vs. Future M1X

The current M1 MacBook Pro is a beefed-up version of the M1 MacBook Air, with marginal improvements in various aspects such as trackpad, speakers, microphones, screen, cooling system, and GPU. Some reviewers strongly recommend the Air over the Pro due to the lack of substantial benefits for the higher price tag.

However, the M1X would significantly change the game. It is projected to have two more CPU cores, and either eight or twenty-four more GPU cores (if a 32-EU version is produced). The M1X will also feature more ports, including a full-size SD card slot and a USB-A port. Additionally, the screen size and design will be updated to reflect the 2021 iteration of Apple's MacBook lineup.

The base model of the M1X is expected to cost around $1,999, while the more premium model might go for around $2,999.

Should You Wait?

Given the potential performance and features of the M1X, it may be prudent to wait a few months before making a purchase decision. While the current M1 chip with its nearly 20-hour battery life is impressive, the M1X is expected to offer twice the GPU power and potentially 12 CPU cores, which would be a powerful upgrade for content creation tasks.

Apple is known to treat the release of powerful new chips with extreme caution, as they know the performance of these chips could be crucial to maintaining their market position. Therefore, it is highly probable that Apple will not take the M1X release lightly.

For those who want top-tier performance and are willing to pay a premium for what could be the best laptop ever, a few months of waiting might be worth it. However, for those needing a balanced machine for everyday use, the current M1 MacBook Pro should meet the needs of most users, pending the availability of official information and reviews of the M1X.