Okay, here’s a breakdown of the information from the provided text, focusing on the key takeaways regarding the MacBook Pro configuration process as described in the article:
key Changes to MacBook Pro Configuration (as of January 2026):
* Fully “À la Carte”: The MacBook Pro ordering process has moved to a fully customizable model.You start with a base choice of screen size (14-inch or 16-inch) and color.
* No More Pre-configured Models: Previously, you could select a pre-configured model and then make upgrades. Now, you build the machine from scratch, selecting each component.
* Configuration options:
* Display: Standard or Nano-texture glass.
* Chip: Choose from available M-series chips and core counts.
* Memory (RAM): customizable amount.
* Storage (SSD): customizable amount.
* Power Adapter: Choice of power adapter.
* Keyboard Language: Choice of keyboard language.
Current Limitation:
* No M5 Pro/max: The MacBook Pro cannot currently be configured with the newer M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. The article notes that people are awaiting the release of new models that will include these chips.
Where to Configure:
* The configuration takes place on the MacBook Pro ordering page.
In essence, the article describes a more granular and flexible configuration process for the MacBook Pro, but highlights a lack of access to the newest chip options at the time of writing (January 2026).
What are the typical lead times and price differences when ordering a fully customizable Mac as opposed to a pre-configured model?
Table of Contents
- 1. What are the typical lead times and price differences when ordering a fully customizable Mac as opposed to a pre-configured model?
- 2. Apple Removes Pre‑Configured Mac Builds, Now Fully Customizable Orders
- 3. What Does This Mean for Mac Buyers?
- 4. Diving into the Customization Options
- 5. Impact on Businesses and Enterprise Deployments
- 6. Real-World Examples & Early Observations
- 7. Benefits of the new System
- 8. Practical Tips for Ordering a custom Mac
Apple Removes Pre‑Configured Mac Builds, Now Fully Customizable Orders
as of late January 2026, Apple has made a meaningful shift in how Macs are ordered. The company has discontinued pre-configured Mac builds, moving to a fully customizable, build-to-order (BTO) system across its entire Mac lineup – including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio. This change impacts both individual consumers and enterprise customers seeking specific hardware configurations.
What Does This Mean for Mac Buyers?
Previously, Apple offered a selection of standard configurations for each Mac model. Customers could choose from these pre-set options, offering a quicker delivery timeframe. Now, every mac is essentially a custom build. This means you select every component, from the processor and memory to the storage and graphics card.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
* No More “Standard” Models: The familiar pre-defined specs are gone. You start with a base model and than add or upgrade components.
* Extended Lead Times: Custom builds inherently take longer to manufacture and ship. Expect significantly longer wait times compared to purchasing a pre-configured Mac.Current estimates range from 4-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the configuration and model.
* Greater Flexibility: The biggest advantage is unparalleled customization. You can tailor your Mac precisely to your workflow and budget, avoiding paying for features you don’t need.
* Direct from Apple Customization: All customization options are now managed directly through the Apple Store online or Apple Retail locations. Third-party resellers will still take orders, but they will be forwarded to Apple for fulfillment.
Diving into the Customization Options
The level of customization available varies by Mac model,but generally includes:
* Apple Silicon Chip: Choose between different M3,M3 Pro,and M3 Max variants (and future iterations) with varying core counts.
* Unified Memory (RAM): Configure the amount of RAM, crucial for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. Options now extend to 192GB on some models.
* Storage (SSD): Select the SSD capacity that suits your needs,from 512GB to 8TB.
* Graphics Card: On models that support discrete GPUs, you can choose between different graphics options for enhanced performance.
* Ports & connectivity: while less customizable, options like additional Thunderbolt ports or specific networking configurations may be available.
Impact on Businesses and Enterprise Deployments
The shift to BTO has significant implications for businesses that rely on standardized Mac deployments.
* Increased Planning Required: IT departments will need to plan further in advance to account for longer lead times.
* Configuration Management: Maintaining consistent configurations across a fleet of Macs will require careful planning and perhaps the use of Mobile device Management (MDM) solutions.
* Potential Cost Savings: The ability to precisely configure Macs can lead to cost savings by avoiding needless hardware upgrades.
* Apple Business Essentials Integration: Apple is emphasizing the integration of this new BTO system with Apple Business essentials, its suite of services for small and medium-sized businesses, to streamline device management and deployment.
Real-World Examples & Early Observations
Early adopters of the new system have reported mixed experiences. Some have successfully configured Macs perfectly suited to their needs, while others have faced unexpected delays.
* case study: Video Editor: A professional video editor configured a MacBook Pro with a high-end M3 Max chip, 96GB of RAM, and a 4TB SSD. While the wait time was six weeks, the resulting machine delivered significantly improved performance compared to their previous pre-configured model.
* Common Complaints: Several users have reported difficulty navigating the online configuration process and a lack of clear communication regarding estimated delivery dates. Apple is actively working to improve the user experience based on this feedback.
Benefits of the new System
Despite the initial challenges, the move to fully customizable orders offers several long-term benefits:
* Reduced E-Waste: by only building what is ordered, Apple can minimize waste associated with unsold, pre-configured inventory.
* Optimized Performance: Users can tailor their Macs to their specific workloads, maximizing performance and efficiency.
* future-Proofing: Investing in higher RAM or storage upfront can extend the lifespan of your Mac, reducing the need for frequent upgrades.
* Enhanced User Satisfaction: A perfectly configured Mac is more likely to meet the user’s needs and provide a positive experience.
Practical Tips for Ordering a custom Mac
* Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until you need a Mac to start the ordering process. Allow ample time for configuration and delivery.
* research Your Needs: Carefully consider your workflow and the applications you’ll be using to determine the optimal specifications.
* Utilize Apple’s Configurator: Take advantage of Apple’s online configurator to experiment with different options and see how they impact the price and delivery time.
* Consider AppleCare+: Protect your investment with AppleCare+ for extended warranty coverage and support.
* Monitor Your Order: Regularly check the status of your order on the apple website or through the Apple Store app.
This shift represents a fundamental change in how Apple sells Macs. While