Apple has given its entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac a major performance boost by introducing the new M6 processor. The update brings a newer chip to two of Apple’s most popular computers, following the MacBook Pro’s previous use of the M5 and the iMac’s earlier M4 platform.
The refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 features a 12-core CPU arranged in a 2+4+6 configuration, paired with a 12-core GPU that includes Neural Accelerators and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Apple also equips the machine with a dedicated dual 16-core Neural Engine for AI-related workloads.
Buyers can choose from 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB of unified memory. However, only the 24GB and 32GB versions receive the full 170GB/s memory bandwidth, while the 16GB model is limited to 153GB/s. Storage starts at 1TB, with upgrades available to 2TB or 4TB.
In addition to the M6 chip, the updated 14-inch MacBook Pro includes Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 support through the 802.11be standard and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.
The iMac is also moving to the M6 generation, but Apple is offering it in two different chip configurations. The higher-end version receives the same fully enabled 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU found in the MacBook Pro. The base iMac instead uses a reduced M6 variant with a 10-core CPU in a 2+3+5 layout and a 10-core GPU, though it still includes Neural Accelerators, ray tracing support, and the dual 16-core Neural Engine.
Both iMac configurations come with 16GB of unified memory as standard. The base model can be upgraded to 24GB, while the higher-end version can be configured with either 24GB or 32GB. Unlike the MacBook Pro, Apple does not list different memory bandwidth figures for the iMac, suggesting that even the 16GB version may deliver the full 170GB/s bandwidth.
Storage on the iMac begins at 256GB, with 512GB and 1TB options available on both models. The higher-end configuration also offers a 2TB upgrade. The iMac also gains the Apple N1 wireless chip and adds a new nano-texture display option.
Beyond the processor and wireless updates, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac remain largely unchanged from the previous versions they replace.
Pricing starts at $1,999 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the iMac begins at $1,499 for the 10-core model and $1,699 for the 12-core version. Pre-orders open on October 28, with official availability set for November 6.
