From the MacBook Neo for €799 to the Mac Studio with M5 Ultra for €6,599: Apple currently sells six Mac lines in fourteen different configurations. The differences often lie not where the name suggests. Some expensive models cut corners in areas where a cheaper model is better equipped.
With the Mac mini (M6 and M5 Pro) and the Mac Studio (M5 Max and M5 Ultra), Apple revamped both of its compact desktop lines in August. According to Apple, both are available for pre-order and will be released on September 22nd. However, the Mac Pro has disappeared from Apple's current Mac lineup, following Apple's confirmation of its discontinuation.
All prices in this article are taken from Apple's German product pages and are as of September 16, 2026. The prices listed are for the standard models that Apple offers with fixed specifications and a fixed price.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The MacBook Air 13″ with M5, starting at €1,399, is the best Mac for most buyers.
- The MacBook Neo, starting at 799 euros, is a fully-fledged entry-level model, but it only has 8 GB of RAM and one fast port.
- The MacBook Pro 14″ with M5 is the only Pro model that lacks Thunderbolt 5 and WLAN 7, but it does have the display, cooling and battery of the Pro series.
- The Mac mini with M6, starting at €1,049, is the cheapest way to get a fast desktop Mac if you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- The iMac is the only current Mac that still uses an M4 chip.
The current Mac product range
| Model | Chip | Starting price | Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Neo | A18 Pro | 799 € | Laptop, 13 inch |
| MacBook Air 13″ | M5 | 1.399 € | laptop |
| MacBook Air 15″ | M5 | 1.699 € | laptop |
| MacBook Pro 14″ | M5, M5 Pro or M5 Max | 2.199 € | laptop |
| MacBook Pro 16″ | M5 Pro or M5 Max | 3.399 € | laptop |
| iMac 24″ | M4 | 1.799 € | All-in-One |
| Mac mini | M6 or M5 Pro | 1.049 € | Desktop without a screen |
| Mac Studio | M5 Max or M5 Ultra | 2.999 € | Desktop without a screen |
MacBook Neo: the entry-level model with compromises
The MacBook Neo is the first Mac with an A-series chip. The A18 Pro is the same chip used in the iPhone 16 Pro and features 6 CPU cores, 5 GPU cores, and 8 GB of integrated RAM. The 13-inch display has a resolution of 2408 x 1506 pixels, a brightness of 500 nits, and covers the sRGB color gamut, not the wider P3 color gamut of the more expensive models.
The cost-cutting measures are evident in three areas of everyday use. The keyboard is not backlit, of the two USB-C ports only one supports USB 3.0 speeds, the other USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt is completely absent. An external display with up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz can be connected. The MacBook Neo's specifications state up to 16 hours of video streaming.
| MacBook Neo | Memory | Touch ID | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard model | 256 GB | no | 799 € |
| Standard model | 512 GB | Yes | 899 € |
The €899 model offers double the storage and Touch ID. Those opting for the Neo should therefore choose the 512GB model. A detailed comparison of the MacBook Air versus the MacBook Neo reveals where the Neo falls short compared to the Air.
MacBook Air: the Mac for most people
The MacBook Air with M5 features a 10-core CPU, up to 10 GPU cores, and comes with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. It's fanless, weighs 1.23 kg in the 13-inch model, and, according to Apple, offers up to 18 hours of video streaming. The N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, as well as MagSafe, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and support for two external displays.
| MacBook Air | GPU | RAM | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 inches | 8 cores | 16 GB | 512 GB | 1.399 € |
| 13 inches | 10 cores | 16 GB | 1 TB | 1.729 € |
| 13 inches | 10 cores | 24 GB | 1 TB | 1.949 € |
| 15 inch | 10 cores | 16 GB | 512 GB | 1.699 € |
| 15 inch | 10 cores | 16 GB | 1 TB | 2.029 € |
| 15 inch | 10 cores | 24 GB | 1 TB | 2.249 € |
The 15-inch model starts at €1,699. For that price, you get a larger display (2880 x 1864 pixels), a 10-core GPU, six speakers instead of four, and a larger battery with 66.5 watt-hours instead of 53.8 watt-hours. Whether the larger size is worth it is clarified in the comparison between the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air.
With the 13-inch model, Apple combines storage and graphics: Those who choose 24 GB of RAM or a 1 TB SSD automatically get the M5 with a 10-core GPU. With 24 GB and 512 GB, the 13-inch model then costs €1,619.
A power adapter is not included in the box in Germany; only the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable is supplied. The 13-inch model requires at least 30 watts, the 15-inch model 35 watts, and fast charging starts at 70 watts. Which power adapter is compatible with which model can be found in the overview of MacBook power adapter wattages.
MacBook Pro: three chips, two sizes
The MacBook Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display with Mini-LED backlighting, 1,000 nits of continuous brightness, up to 1,600 nits for HDR content, and ProMotion with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It also includes active cooling, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, and a nanotexture option, available for an additional €165 on the 14-inch model with the M5 processor. Further specifications depend heavily on the chip.
14 inch
| Chip | CPU / GPU | RAM | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 10/10 cores | 16 GB | 1 TB | 2.199 € |
| M5 | 10/10 cores | 24 GB | 1 TB | 2.419 € |
| M5 | 10/10 cores | 32 GB | 1 TB | 2.639 € |
| M5 Pro | 15/16 cores | 24 GB | 1 TB | 2.899 € |
| M5 Pro | 15/16 cores | 24 GB | 2 TB | 3.449 € |
| M5 Pro | 18/20 cores | 24 GB | 2 TB | 3.699 € |
| M5 Max | 18 / 32 cores | 36 GB | 2 TB | 4.799 € |
16 inch
| Chip | CPU / GPU | RAM | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 Pro | 18/20 cores | 24 GB | 1 TB | 3.399 € |
| M5 Pro | 18/20 cores | 48 GB | 1 TB | 4.059 € |
| M5 Max | 18 / 32 cores | 36 GB | 2 TB | 5.099 € |
| M5 Max | 18 / 40 cores | 48 GB | 2 TB | 5.699 € |
The 14-inch model with M5 is the special case
The entry-level model differs more significantly from the other MacBook Pro models than the price difference would suggest. According to the specifications of the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max, these models have three Thunderbolt 5 ports with speeds up to 120 Gbps, the N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7, and support for up to four external displays. The MacBook Pro with M5 retains three Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for two external displays.
The situation is reversed when it comes to RAM. The M5 model with 32 GB costs €2,639, while the M5 Pro with 24 GB costs €2,899. Those who primarily need a lot of RAM but don't require Thunderbolt 5 or multiple monitors will find the entry-level model more affordable.
The smallest model also comes out on top in terms of battery life. The 14-inch model with the M5 and the 16-inch model with the M5 Pro each achieve 24 hours of video streaming, while the Max variants manage 20 and 22 hours, respectively. The MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro comparison shows how the Air and Pro differ in everyday use, and the MacBook Pro 14 vs. 16-inch comparison answers the size question.
iMac: everything in one device
The iMac is the only device in the lineup that still uses an M4 processor. It features a built-in 24-inch display with 4.5K resolution (4480 × 2520 pixels), 500 nits brightness, and P3 color gamut. A keyboard, mouse, and a 143-watt power supply are included. Wireless connectivity is provided by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
| iMac | CPU / GPU | RAM | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 connections | 8/8 cores | 16 GB | 256 GB | 1.799 € |
| 4 connections | 10/10 cores | 16 GB | 256 GB | 1.999 € |
| 4 connections | 10/10 cores | 16 GB | 512 GB | 2.219 € |
| 4 connections | 10/10 cores | 24 GB | 512 GB | 2.439 € |
The four-port model, priced at €1,999, offers more than just two additional Thunderbolt 4 ports. It includes two extra CPU and GPU cores, Gigabit Ethernet, the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and support for two external displays instead of one. Both models are available in seven colors: blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver.
Mac mini: the most affordable desktop
The Mac mini with M6 processor, measuring 12.7 x 12.7 cm, is the smallest Mac and, at €1,049, the most affordable desktop. The M6 combines a 12-core CPU with a 12-core GPU and a dual Neural Engine. The front panel features two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, while the rear offers HDMI, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports; the M5 Pro uses Thunderbolt 5 instead.
| Mac mini | Chip | RAM | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard model | M6 | 16 GB | 256 GB | 1.049 € |
| Standard model | M6 | 16 GB | 512 GB | 1.269 € |
| Standard model | M6 | 24 GB | 512 GB | 1.489 € |
| Standard model | M5 Pro (15 / 16 cores) | 24 GB | 512 GB | 1.999 € |
With the M6, the storage bandwidth depends on the RAM: 153 GB/s with 16 GB, and 170 GB/s with 24 GB or more. Both versions can drive up to three external displays. The M6 can be ordered with a maximum of 32 GB, while the M5 Pro can be ordered with 64 GB and up to an 8 TB SSD.
Mac Studio: Performance for professionals
The Mac Studio is aimed at users who process large amounts of data or run local AI models. Even the entry-level model with the M5 Max offers 18 CPU cores, 32 GPU cores, and 36 GB of RAM. On the back are four Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet; on the front is an SDXC card slot.
| Mac Studio | CPU / GPU | RAM | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 Max | 18 / 32 cores | 36 GB | 512 GB | 2.999 € |
| M5 Ultra | 30 / 64 cores | 96 GB | 1 TB | 6.599 € |
Large storage capacities are tied to the more expensive chip variants. According to the Mac Studio's specifications, 48, 64, or 128 GB are only available with the 40-core GPU of the M5 Max, while 512 GB is only available with the M5 Ultra in its configuration with 36 CPU and 80 GPU cores. Apple states that this configuration will not be available until the end of October.
The M5 Max can drive up to five external displays, the M5 Ultra up to eight. The comparison between the Mac mini and the Mac Studio illustrates where the line lies between the two desktop series.
Which Mac is suitable for which use case
For studying, office work, browsing, and photo editing, we recommend the standard 13-inch MacBook Air. It's the most affordable option with an M5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, a P3 display, a backlit keyboard, and Thunderbolt. If you know you'll need more storage, the €1,949 package is a better choice than a MacBook Pro. Our guide to Apple Silicon RAM explains how much RAM is needed for different usage patterns.
The MacBook Neo is the right choice if your budget is under €1,000 and you primarily use the Mac for browsing, office applications, and streaming. The 8 GB of RAM is not upgradeable, which limits its lifespan once applications become more demanding.
The MacBook Pro is worthwhile if you need sustained performance, the XDR display, or the ports. With the 14-inch model, the choice should be deliberate: If you need Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, or more than two monitors, you'll end up with the M5 Pro starting at €2,899. If you only want the display and battery life, the M5 is a good choice.
For most users, the Mac mini with the M6 processor is the most economical solution for desktop use. With 24 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, it costs €1,489, while the iMac with 24 GB and 512 GB costs €2,439 – though the latter includes a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The iMac remains a sensible choice if a clutter-free workspace without a separate monitor is important – but you'll be getting an older chip. The Mac Studio only becomes worthwhile if large projects, multiple monitors, or local AI models with high storage requirements are part of your daily routine.
How up-to-date the individual series are
All other product lines are current. The Mac mini and Mac Studio will be available on September 22nd. The MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max were released in 2026, with the 14-inch model with the M5 arriving as early as 2025. Only the iMac still uses the M4 processor, which will be released in 2024. Students and teachers currently receive a gift card worth up to €120 when purchasing a qualifying Mac with an educational discount; the terms and conditions of the 2026 Back to School promotion are detailed in the accompanying article.
Mac Buying Guide – The Most Important Information at a Glance
The 13-inch MacBook Air is the most sensible Mac, while the Mac mini with the M6 processor offers the most affordable way to get a lot of power at your desk. The MacBook Pro and Mac Studio only justify their price if you actually need the display, ports, sustained performance, or large amount of RAM. The iMac is the oldest model in the lineup.
Would you go for the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM, or would you prefer the M5 Pro for €2,899 to get Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7? Let us know your calculations in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mac Buying Guide
The cheapest Mac is the MacBook Neo with a 256 GB SSD for €799. The cheapest desktop is the Mac mini with an M6 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD for €1,049, but this does not include a monitor, keyboard, or mouse.
The MacBook Neo has 8 GB of built-in RAM, which cannot be expanded. This is sufficient for browsing, Office applications, and streaming. Users who employ more demanding applications or plan to keep the device for many years are better off with the MacBook Air, which starts with 16 GB.
The MacBook Air with M5 processor starts at €1,399 and features a Liquid Retina display, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and support for two external displays. The MacBook Pro starts at €2,199. It offers a Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 120Hz, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot.
The M5 model, priced at €2,199, features three Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and supports two external displays. The M5 Pro model, starting at €2,899, has three Thunderbolt 5 ports, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and supports up to three external displays.
No, in Germany, only the charging cable is included with the MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Apple specifies the minimum power output as 20 watts for the Neo, 30 watts for the 13-inch Air, 35 watts for the 15-inch Air, 60 watts for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5, 70 watts for the 14-inch model with M5 Pro or M5 Max, and 140 watts for the 16-inch model. The iMac comes with a 143-watt power adapter.
The Mac mini with the M6 processor starts at €1,049 and features the newer chip, but the screen, keyboard, and mouse must be purchased separately. The iMac with the M4 processor starts at €1,799 and comes with a 24-inch display with 4.5K resolution, a Magic Keyboard, and a Magic Mouse. If you already own a monitor, the Mac mini is the more economical choice.
According to Apple, both will be available from September 22nd. The Mac Studio with M5 Ultra and 512 GB of RAM will not be available until the end of October, according to Apple.
