MacBook Pro entry-level model: Not a price drop, but a price increase

Out of sight, out of mind – Apple seems to be successfully applying this motto in its online store. Because again and again in the aftermath of the “Scary Fast” event you will find evidence that the new M3 MacBook Pro would see a price drop. Instead of the previous 2.399 euros, you would now only pay 1.999 euros. But that is a very big mistake. The cheapest 14-inch model previously came with the M2 Pro and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The now cheapest 14-inch model has the M3 and only two Thunderbolt 3 ports. So it would have to be compared with the previous 13-incher for 1.599 euros. And there is already a price increase of 400 euros.

M3 MacBook Pro: Many sources compare Apple to pears

To break it down again: the new entry-level MacBook Pro with M3 chip itself has a 14-inch display, but it shouldn't be compared to the previous 14-inch models. Because this one brought the M2 Pro and M2 Max with them and were therefore anything but entry-level models. The entry-level MacBook Pro, a 2-inch model, was equipped with the M13 chip (without the name added). And this should be used as a comparison model.

So if it is said somewhere that the cheapest 14-inch model has now seen a price drop of 400 euros, then that is eyewash. Because previously you paid 2.399 euros for a laptop with M2 Pro and three Thunderbolt 4 ports; Now you pay 1.999 euros for a laptop with an M3 and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. So two completely different offers are being weighed here. Below I offer you a more practical comparison.

Entry-level models: comparing M2 and M3 laptops

So for a more practical comparison you have to compare the previous 13-inch model including M2 with the current 14-inch model including M3. The following overview then results.

MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M3 Pro: Also a price increase

Incidentally, the same procedure can be used to determine the actual price development of the cheapest 14-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M3 Pro. And yes, there is a price increase here too, although the new Pro chip even has an increase despite the increase in transistors and performance Downgrade in memory bandwidth had received. But at least the cheapest offer now offers 18 GB instead of the previous 16 GB of RAM.

Conclusion: There is a constant price increase

When it comes to the new MacBook Pros, you shouldn't be tempted to compare the wrong models with each other. Even if the display has become larger, you shouldn't try to compare the entry-level model with the M3 chip to the 14-incher with the M2 Pro, but instead look at the 13-incher with the M2. Only then do you notice that Apple has removed the Touch Bar, made the display a little larger and opened the hand for an additional 400 euros. And even if you compare the lowest-equipment Pro-Chip models, there is a price increase. This can certainly be viewed from different perspectives due to the lower memory bandwidth but the larger RAM.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.