Short answer: less powerful than you'd think. The clever part of AI happens in the cloud, not on your computer. Below I explain why — and which MacBook you really need.
You type a question. It travels to the cloud, where the AI model thinks. The answer comes back and your laptop carries it out. So the thinking isn't what loads your computer — only the running counts, and that's usually light.
Almost everything you do with AI is light. One thing is heavy — and that decides how much power you need.
Minimum requirement for all Macs: macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer — roughly a Mac from 2017 or later. Above that, it depends on your goal.
RAM (working memory) is how much you can do smoothly at once — many tabs, several programs. You can't add this later, so choose well now. Storage is how many files you can keep; full = just clean up or add an external drive. Both are measured in GB, but they're two separate things.
Always the same target config: 32 GB RAM / 1 TB storage. Prices are indicative, in euros incl. VAT (NL). Refurbished varies by store.
| Year | Chip | New? | Price 32GB / 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | M3 Pro | refurb | ~ €1,500 – €1,900 |
| 2024 | M4 Pro | refurb | ~ €2,000 – €2,450 |
| 2025 | M5 (base) | new | €2,409 |
| 2026 | M5 Pro | new | ~ €2,799 |
The M3 Pro came with 18 or 36 GB (no 32). The M5 (2025) is the base chip — for heavy video work the M5 Pro is better. With the newest models the power adapter is no longer in the box (~€60 separately).
Want the newest with the longest support → new M5 Pro (~€2,799). Want the same heavy capability for less → refurbished M4 Pro (~€2,000–€2,450), still blazing fast for years. Both 32 GB / 1 TB and future-proof.