Apple Refreshes iMac and MacBook Pro with New M6 Chip

Apple has announced updates for its iMac and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro models. Both devices now feature the new M6 chip, which was previously introduced in the Mac mini. This refresh brings significant performance enhancements and improved wireless connectivity features.

Highlights

• The iMac and 14-inch MacBook Pro now feature Apple's new M6 chip.
• Two M6 chip configurations are available for the iMac, while the MacBook Pro comes with a single M6 option.
• Both devices include the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.
• The iMac sees up to 40% faster CPU performance and up to double graphics performance.
• There are no external design changes to either device.

Details

Apple is offering the new M6 chip in two configurations for the iMac. The two-Thunderbolt port version includes a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, while the four-Thunderbolt port version features 12 cores for both. The two-port iMac supports up to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, whereas the four-port model can be configured with up to 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro, on the other hand, comes with a single M6 chip option: the one with a 12-core GPU and CPU. This MacBook Pro supports up to 32 GB of RAM and can go up to 4 TB of storage. The iMac's previous update featured the M4 chip, meaning this refresh skips the M5 and jumps directly to the M6, bringing substantial performance gains. Apple states that users can expect up to 40% faster CPU performance and up to double the graphics performance when moving from the M4 to the M6.

Why it matters

These updates significantly boost the performance of Apple's popular desktop and laptop computers. Especially for the iMac, the leap from M4 to M6 represents a major improvement in user experience. With the new M6 chip and N1 wireless connectivity chip, users will benefit from faster processing power, enhanced graphics performance, and more modern connectivity standards. This provides a significant advantage, particularly for professional users and demanding tasks.