This MacBook Pro still costs $1,999 but inflation says otherwise

In 2021, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro started at $1,999, and the 16-inch with M1 Pro started at $2,499.

In 2026, the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at $1,999, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,999.

Adjusted for inflation, the 2021 14-inch model would cost about $2,467 in 2026 dollars, and the 16-inch would be about $3,084. Those numbers illustrate how the same base configurations have shifted in value as the cost of components and supply chain pressures rose over the five years.

Apple’s newer MacBook Pros come with the M5, which marks a clear performance and graphics upgrade over the M1 Pro. In other words, you’re paying more not just for the brand but for faster CPUs and better GPUs, alongside potentially improved energy efficiency and features that come with newer silicon.

If you’re shopping in the US, expect price differences to reflect both model choice and the broader market pressures. The 14-inch remains a strong value at the same starting price as 2021, but the 16-inch Pro sits notably higher. If you’re weighing an upgrade, consider not only the screen size but how much you value the improved performance for tasks like photo editing, video work or gaming curb appeal on the laptop you’ll keep for years.

Prices on Apple laptops could continue to move with supply chain dynamics and AI infrastructure costs. If you’re eyeing a MacBook Pro, you’ll want to compare not just the base price but the configurations that affect performance for you, and watch for sales or bundles that soften the jump.