For most developers, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and 64GB RAM is the best overall choice here: it offers the most headroom for large projects, containers, and multitasking. The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM is a more portable fit for everyday coding, while the 16.2-inch M5 Pro with 24GB RAM balances a large screen with strong performance. The main tradeoffs are memory capacity, screen size, portability, and how much older or lower-spec hardware a workload can tolerate. A renewed Intel model or 8GB machine may suit narrow, lighter needs, but brings more limits for current development workflows. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on which configuration fits your work.
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Key Takeaways
- Memory separates the strongest coding choices: the 64GB M5 Pro has more room for virtual machines, containers, and memory-heavy IDEs than any other option in this lineup.
- 24GB is the practical middle ground: both M5 configurations with 24GB RAM are better suited to sustained multitasking than the 16GB model, without requiring the highest-memory configuration.
- Screen size is a workflow choice, not a performance shortcut: the 16.2-inch M5 Pro offers more workspace, while the 14-inch models are easier to carry between desk and commute.
- The 2019 Intel and 8GB models are specialist compromises: they may fit budget-sensitive or legacy needs, but age, memory limits, and older hardware make them weaker choices for demanding new projects.
- The MacBook Neo is the outlier, not a MacBook Pro substitute: its A18 Pro chip and 8GB RAM may suit basic coding or learning, but its different hardware class makes it a poor match for sustained Pro-level workloads.
| macbook pro for software development | Processor | Memory | Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro with | M5 Pro 18-core CPU | 64GB | 1TB SSD | 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14-inch | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU | 16GB unified memory | 1TB SSD | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch | 8th-generation Intel Core i5, quad-core | 8GB | 256GB SSD | 13-inch Retina with True Tone |
| Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop | Apple M5 Pro chip, 18-core CPU | 24GB unified memory | 1TB SSD | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU | 24GB unified memory | 1TB SSD | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness |
| Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch | A18 Pro chip | 8GB unified memory | 256GB SSD | 13-inch Liquid Retina |
| Apple 16-Inch MacBook Pro | 2.3GHz Intel Core i9 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | 16 inches; listed resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro chip, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black
I’d choose this configuration for development work that regularly combines large codebases, multiple containers or virtual machines, and memory-hungry tools. Its 64GB of unified memory gives it more room for those concurrent workloads than the 24GB 16-inch M5 Pro model, while the 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU support sustained compiling and graphics work. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR screen also gives more space for an IDE beside documentation or terminal windows. That capacity comes with a real portability and budget tradeoff: it is a larger machine, and many developers won’t use all that memory. Compared with the 14-inch M5 models, this is the better fit for intensive, desk-based work, not for someone prioritizing a lighter everyday carry.
Pros:- 64GB unified memory suits demanding multitasking and virtualized development environments
- 18-core M5 Pro CPU is configured for substantial compiling and parallel workloads
- Large 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display gives room for code and tools
- 1TB SSD provides useful local space for projects, dependencies, and build artifacts
Cons:- The 16-inch size is less convenient for frequent commuting
- 64GB is unnecessary for many everyday coding workloads
- Memory and storage are fixed after purchase
Best for: Developers running several containers or virtual machines alongside large projects, build tools, and local services.
Not ideal for: Students and mobile developers with modest projects who would rather carry a smaller laptop than pay for memory they may not use.
- Processor:M5 Pro 18-core CPU
- GPU:20-core GPU
- Memory:64GB
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:16-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Color:Space Black
Our verdict“Choose this when high memory capacity and a large workspace matter more than portability or avoiding excess capability.”
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14-inch with M5 Chip (10-Core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black)
This 14-inch model is the lineup’s practical choice for developers who want a capable MacBook Pro without carrying a 16-inch system. The M5 10-core CPU and 1TB SSD suit everyday app development, while HDMI, SDXC, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports reduce reliance on dongles when connecting displays or peripherals. Its 16GB of memory is the main constraint: compared with the 24GB 14-inch M5 configuration, it leaves less headroom for multiple simulators, containers, or memory-heavy browser and IDE sessions. The smaller display also offers less room for side-by-side windows than either 16-inch M5 Pro option. I’d pick it for portability and routine development, but not for workloads that routinely push memory limits.
Pros:- Compact 14-inch form is easier to carry than either 16-inch M5 Pro model
- M5 10-core CPU supports everyday coding and development tasks
- 1TB SSD leaves room for projects and development tools
- HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, and Thunderbolt 4 provide useful connection options
Cons:- 16GB memory can constrain heavy multitasking and virtualized workflows
- 14.2-inch screen provides less workspace than the 16-inch models
- Uses the standard M5 chip rather than the higher-core-count M5 Pro
Best for: Developers who travel or commute often and work on web, mobile, or general software projects with moderate multitasking needs.
Not ideal for: Engineers running several virtual machines, simulators, or containers at once; the 16GB memory configuration offers less headroom than the 24GB and 64GB alternatives.
- Model:MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025)
- Processor:Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU
- GPU:10-core GPU
- Memory:16GB unified memory
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness
- Ports:3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, headphone jack
- Color:Space Black
Our verdict“Pick this compact configuration for mobile development and moderate workloads, but step up to 24GB or M5 Pro for heavier multitasking.”
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Renewed, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage) – Space Gray
This renewed 13-inch Intel model is the entry point for basic coding, learning, and maintaining small projects—not a close performance match for the M5 MacBook Pros elsewhere in this list. Its quad-core 8th-generation Core i5 and 8GB RAM can handle lightweight editing and introductory programming, but leave little room for modern development stacks, multiple tools, or virtual machines. The 256GB SSD also calls for careful management as projects and dependencies accumulate. Compared with the 14-inch M5 models, it gives up newer processing capability, memory, and storage; its strongest case is a lower-commitment route into macOS development when the workload is modest. Because it is renewed, condition can vary, and buyers should be comfortable with that uncertainty.
Pros:- 13-inch Retina display with True Tone in a compact form
- Quad-core Intel Core i5 can handle basic coding tasks
- Touch ID provides convenient device authentication
- SSD storage supports responsive everyday file access
Cons:- 8GB RAM is restrictive for modern IDEs and multitasking
- 256GB storage can fill quickly with project files and development tools
- Renewed condition may include cosmetic imperfections, and the Intel processor is older than the M5 models
Best for: Learners writing small programs, practicing command-line basics, or maintaining lightweight projects who specifically want a macOS laptop.
Not ideal for: Professional developers, users running current simulators or virtual machines, and anyone needing ample local storage or predictable new-device condition.
- Processor:8th-generation Intel Core i5, quad-core
- Display:13-inch Retina with True Tone
- Memory:8GB
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Graphics:Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Color:Space Gray
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“Choose it only for learning and lightweight coding on a tight capability requirement; demanding or growing projects are better served by an M5 model.”
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Pro Chip, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black
This is my best all-round fit for professional development in this group: it pairs the M5 Pro 18-core CPU with 24GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and a roomy 16.2-inch display without going as far as the 64GB configuration. That balance should suit substantial builds, multitasking, and local development services while leaving more memory headroom than the 16GB 14-inch M5 model. The Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, HDMI, and SDXC slot also make it well suited to a desk setup with external displays and peripherals. The tradeoff is size and weight: developers who carry a laptop all day may prefer the 14-inch 24GB M5 model. It also offers less memory than the 64GB M5 Pro option for unusually large virtualized workloads.
Pros:- M5 Pro 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU are suited to demanding development and creative workloads
- 24GB unified memory offers more multitasking room than the 16GB 14-inch M5 model
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides generous coding workspace
- Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, and SDXC support a broad range of desk peripherals
Cons:- Larger 16.2-inch design is less convenient to carry than the 14-inch models
- 24GB memory provides less capacity than the 64GB M5 Pro configuration
- Battery life is described as all-day without a specific duration
Best for: Professional developers who want a large built-in workspace, M5 Pro performance, and enough memory for substantial everyday multitasking.
Not ideal for: Frequent travelers who favor a smaller laptop, or specialists whose virtual-machine workloads call for the 64GB configuration.
- Processor:Apple M5 Pro chip, 18-core CPU
- GPU:20-core GPU
- Display:16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Memory:24GB unified memory
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Speakers:Six speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos
Our verdict“Choose this as the balanced professional development machine if you want M5 Pro performance and a large screen without stepping up to 64GB memory.”
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Chip (14.2-inch, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Silver)
This 14-inch M5 configuration makes more sense for development than the 16GB version when several apps, browser tabs, and tools need to stay open together. Its 24GB unified memory gives useful breathing room for everyday multitasking, and the 1TB SSD accommodates a growing collection of projects and dependencies. Compared with the 16.2-inch M5 Pro model, it is easier to carry but uses the standard 10-core M5 chip and has a smaller display. That makes it a better match for mobile developers who value manageable size over the M5 Pro’s higher CPU and GPU core counts. The tradeoff is that especially heavy compiling or multiple virtual machines may favor the M5 Pro models; buyers should choose based on workload, not just memory capacity.
Pros:- 24GB unified memory provides more multitasking headroom than the 16GB 14-inch M5 configuration
- Compact 14.2-inch design is more portable than the 16-inch M5 Pro models
- 1TB SSD offers useful local capacity for projects and tools
- HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports support varied setups
Cons:- Standard M5 chip has fewer CPU and GPU cores than the M5 Pro models
- Smaller display offers less room for simultaneous code, documentation, and terminals
- 24GB may still be limiting for unusually memory-intensive virtualized workloads
Best for: Mobile developers who want a compact laptop with 24GB memory for everyday coding, multitasking, and moderate local workloads.
Not ideal for: Developers who prioritize the highest available CPU/GPU capacity or regularly run demanding virtual-machine and container workloads.
- Model:MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025)
- Processor:Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU
- GPU:10-core GPU
- Memory:24GB unified memory
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness
- Ports:3x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, headphone jack
- Color:Silver
Our verdict“Pick this for portable development with comfortable everyday multitasking, and favor an M5 Pro model if your builds or virtual machines are especially demanding.”
Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch Laptop with A18 Pro Chip, Liquid Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, FaceTime HD Camera – Blush
The 13-inch MacBook Neo is the portability-first choice here, with an aluminum body, a vivid Liquid Retina display, and up to 16 hours of battery life for coding away from a desk. Its A18 Pro chip is described as capable with everyday computing and AI tasks, but the listed 8GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD leave less room for large projects, containers, and simultaneous development tools than the 24GB MacBook Pro models in this roundup. That makes the Neo a better fit for learning to code, web development, and lightweight workflows than sustained professional builds. Compared with the 2019 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro, it is much more portable, but offers less memory and storage. I would skip it for memory-heavy workloads or anyone who needs substantial local project space.
Pros:- Lightweight, durable recycled-aluminum design suits commuting and campus use.
- Up to 16 hours of stated battery life supports long stretches away from an outlet.
- 13-inch Liquid Retina display offers a compact workspace with vibrant color.
- iPhone integration can make it convenient for developers already using Apple devices.
Cons:- 8GB of unified memory is restrictive for multitasking and heavier development environments.
- 256GB SSD leaves limited room for source repositories, tools, and local datasets.
- The product data does not specify dedicated graphics, making graphics-heavy development a less certain fit.
Best for: Students and beginner developers who prioritize a light laptop for coding lessons, web projects, and everyday use.
Not ideal for: Developers who routinely run virtual machines, large containers, or memory-intensive IDEs, or need more than 256GB of local storage.
- Display:13-inch Liquid Retina
- Processor:A18 Pro chip
- Memory:8GB unified memory
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Battery life:Up to 16 hours
- Camera:1080p FaceTime HD
- Material and color:Recycled aluminum; Blush
Our verdict“Choose the MacBook Neo for portable, light coding and everyday development, not memory- or storage-intensive work.”
Apple 16-Inch MacBook Pro (Late 2019) with 2.3GHz Intel Core i9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD – Space Gray (Renewed)
This renewed 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro offers a distinct advantage over the MacBook Neo for developers who need more room for concurrent tools: its 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide far more headroom for larger projects, local data, and multitasking. The 2.3GHz Core i9 and Intel UHD Graphics 630 make it a plausible fit for workloads tied to Intel software or legacy environments, but its 2019 generation is a meaningful compromise beside the newer Apple-silicon MacBook Pro models in this roundup. The supplied display information is also inconsistent: one spec lists 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the cons mention 1280 x 720 on some configurations, so I would verify the exact unit before buying. At four pounds, it is less convenient to carry than the 13-inch Neo, and renewed condition adds uncertainty versus a new model.
Pros:- 32GB RAM offers more multitasking headroom than the 8GB MacBook Neo.
- 1TB SSD provides substantially more local space for projects and development tools.
- Intel Core i9 may suit workflows that depend on Intel-based environments.
- 16-inch display gives more workspace than the Neo’s 13-inch screen.
Cons:- Late 2019 hardware is older than the Apple-silicon MacBook Pro options in the roundup.
- Four-pound weight makes it less portable than the MacBook Neo.
- The listed display resolution conflicts with the configuration note, so buyers should confirm the exact screen specification.
Best for: Developers who need an Intel-based Mac for legacy compatibility and value ample RAM and SSD capacity over portability and newer hardware.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a lightweight daily carry, a clearly specified high-resolution display, or a newer Apple-silicon system for current development workflows.
- Model year:Late 2019
- Processor:2.3GHz Intel Core i9
- Memory:32GB RAM
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:16 inches; listed resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Graphics:Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Weight:4 pounds
- Battery capacity:50.3 watt-hours
- Operating system and color:macOS; Space Gray
Our verdict“Pick this renewed model for Intel compatibility and generous memory and storage, provided you confirm the display configuration and accept older, heavier hardware.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options by how well their specifications support real software-development workloads: running an IDE alongside browsers and communication tools, compiling code, managing local services, and working with containers or virtual machines. Memory capacity, processor class, storage, and screen workspace mattered more than headline claims alone, because development tools can keep several resource-heavy tasks active at once.
I also weighed portability, useful lifespan, and configuration compromises. The M5 Pro models rank highest for demanding work, with the 64GB version ahead for users who need the most memory headroom and the 24GB version serving developers who prefer a large display with less memory overhead. The standard M5 models follow as capable everyday options, while the renewed Intel and 8GB machines rank lower because their age or limited memory restricts flexibility. The MacBook Neo is included as a lower-demand alternative, not treated as equivalent to a MacBook Pro.
| macbook pro for software development | Color |
|---|---|
| Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro with | Space Black |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14-inch | Space Black |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch | Space Gray |
| Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop | — |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop | Silver |
| Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch | — |
| Apple 16-Inch MacBook Pro | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Macbook Pro For Software Development
Choosing a development laptop is less about chasing the biggest specification and more about matching the machine to your toolchain, portability needs, and expected workload. These broader checks can help you avoid paying for unused capacity—or buying a configuration that starts to feel cramped once your projects grow.
Match Memory to Your Active Workload
Think about how many demanding applications need to stay open at the same time, rather than judging memory by the needs of a text editor alone. An IDE, several browser tabs, local databases, containers, and emulators can collectively consume far more memory than basic coding. 16GB can suit lighter projects, but it leaves less room for growth when tools and services run together. A 24GB configuration gives many developers a more comfortable multitasking margin, while 64GB is most useful for large builds, virtual machines, and unusually heavy parallel workloads. Avoid paying for maximum memory simply because it is available; first identify the applications your projects require. Since memory is not a casual later upgrade, it is sensible to allow for the workload you expect over the laptop’s useful life.
Choose a Chip for Your Toolchain, Not Its Name
Processor requirements vary widely across development work. Web development and smaller applications may not benefit much from a Pro-class chip, while large native builds, local data processing, and multiple virtualized environments can make stronger sustained performance useful. Check compatibility before choosing an architecture, especially if your work depends on older compilers, device drivers, or x86-specific virtual machines. Apple silicon handles many common development tools well, but a legacy project can have requirements that make an older Intel machine relevant despite its age. Also distinguish short bursts of responsiveness from long compile sessions, where cooling and sustained performance matter more. Choose for the tools you actually need to run, not for a processor label in isolation.
Treat Storage as Workspace for Projects and Tooling
Storage needs include more than source code: simulators, package caches, container images, build artifacts, and media assets can steadily occupy the internal drive. A 256GB configuration can become restrictive if you keep several projects and development environments locally. 1TB offers more breathing room for larger repositories and local services, though external storage can help archive files that do not need fast, frequent access. Do not assume an external drive will solve every capacity issue; active tools and build workflows are often more convenient on internal storage. Before buying, estimate the size of your current projects and add room for operating-system updates and future tools. Developers who work with large datasets or several platform SDKs should favor more internal capacity.
Balance Display Space Against Daily Carry
A larger display can make side-by-side code, documentation, logs, and debugging windows easier to manage without an external monitor. That benefit matters most if the laptop is your primary workstation or you often code away from a desk. A 14-inch model favors mobility, while a 16-inch model gives more built-in workspace at the cost of a larger bag and less convenient travel. Screen size does not replace memory or processor capacity, so avoid choosing a larger display when your real bottleneck is running out of resources. Consider whether you normally connect to an external monitor and how often you work in transit. Your usual setup should guide the choice more than the assumption that a larger screen is always better.
Be Careful With Renewed and Older Machines
Renewed hardware can make sense when the purchase is tied to a specific constraint, such as maintaining an Intel-only workflow or using a machine for a temporary, low-demand task. Its age can also mean shorter remaining software support, older battery condition, and fewer years of comfortable use than a newer Apple-silicon model. Check the seller’s return terms and battery details before relying on a renewed laptop for daily professional work. An older high-memory specification is not automatically a better developer machine than a newer system; architecture, compatibility, and sustained performance all matter. For a primary work computer, compare the savings against the cost of replacing it sooner. If your projects are growing, a newer model with less headline RAM may still provide a more flexible platform, depending on your tools.
Pay for Capacity You Will Actually Use
The most expensive configuration is not automatically the best fit for every developer. A solo developer building smaller applications may gain more from a portable 24GB system than from a high-memory workstation that rarely approaches its limits. Pay extra for a clear bottleneck: memory for concurrent workloads, a Pro chip for sustained demanding tasks, or a larger screen for a monitor-free setup. Beginners can start with modest projects and upgrade their tools or workflow before buying maximum capacity. On the other hand, teams running local environments, emulators, and builds all day may lose more time to resource limits than they save by choosing a lower configuration. Map your daily workload to the component that restricts it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 16GB of RAM enough for software development on a MacBook Pro?
It can be enough for learning to code, web development, and projects that use a modest IDE and a limited number of local services. The constraint appears when you run several memory-heavy tasks together, such as containers, emulators, large browser sessions, or virtual machines. In this roundup, the 16GB M5 model is a more capable starting point than the 8GB options, but the 24GB configurations leave more room for simultaneous tools. Consider the software your work requires rather than relying on a general minimum. If you expect your projects to grow or cannot close services while working, choosing more memory can reduce future friction.
Should I choose the 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB RAM or the 24GB model?
Choose the 64GB configuration if your daily workflow regularly includes large builds, several containers, virtual machines, or other memory-intensive tasks. The 24GB M5 Pro is a better fit when you want a large display and strong performance but do not routinely push memory limits. More memory is helpful only when your tools can use it, so a developer working on smaller projects may not gain enough to justify that configuration. Also weigh portability: both are large-screen machines, so neither is the natural pick for frequent commuting. If uncertain, list the programs you keep open during your busiest work session and use that as your guide.
Can the MacBook Neo handle coding, or should I stick to a MacBook Pro?
The MacBook Neo can be a reasonable fit for learning programming, editing lightweight projects, or occasional coding when you do not need a heavy local toolchain. Its 8GB RAM and A18 Pro chip place it in a different class from the M5 MacBook Pro configurations, particularly for sustained multitasking and demanding development environments. A MacBook Pro is the safer choice for professional workloads involving multiple services, large builds, or emulators. If you are a beginner, check whether your course or tools require a specific development environment before deciding. The Neo should be chosen for light use and portability, not as a like-for-like Pro replacement.
Does an older Intel MacBook Pro still make sense for development?
An Intel model may still be useful when a project depends on software, drivers, or virtual machines that require Intel compatibility. Its 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD can support some local workloads, but its 2019 platform is older than the M5 options in this roundup. Before buying, confirm that the operating-system version and development tools you need remain supported, and check the renewed unit’s condition and return policy. For new projects without Intel-specific requirements, a newer Apple-silicon MacBook is generally the more forward-looking choice. Treat the older model as a compatibility solution rather than a default workstation recommendation.
Is 256GB of storage enough if I use cloud services or an external drive?
It can work if your projects are small, you regularly move completed work elsewhere, and your toolchain does not require many large local environments. Cloud storage is useful for source files and archives, but it does not remove the need for local space for SDKs, simulators, package caches, and build artifacts. An external drive can expand capacity, though it is less convenient for files and tools you need throughout the day. The 256GB models in this roundup also pair limited storage with 8GB RAM, so they are best reserved for lighter work rather than long-term, demanding development. Check the footprint of your current tools and leave room for updates before choosing that capacity.
Conclusion
For the broadest range of professional development work, I recommend the 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB RAM as the best overall; it offers the most memory headroom in this lineup. The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM is my best value-style pick for developers who want a portable everyday machine without dropping to the 16GB configuration. For a large workspace with Pro-class performance, choose the 16.2-inch M5 Pro with 24GB RAM as the best premium fit if you do not need 64GB. Beginners focused on lighter coding should favor a current M5 MacBook Pro over the 8GB Neo or renewed 13-inch model when their budget allows. For specific legacy Intel requirements, the renewed 2019 MacBook Pro may still have a role; otherwise, I would reserve it and the Neo for narrowly defined needs rather than make either a primary machine for demanding software development.
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