Apple refreshes iMac and entry MacBook Pro with new M6 chip

Apple has introduced updated versions of the 24-inch iMac and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, according to Ars Technica, The Verge, and Apple. Both machines now feature Apple's new M6 chip, which the Verge noted was launched in August inside the Mac mini. Ars Technica and The Verge also reported that both updated computers include Apple's N1 wireless chip, adding support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity. [1][4][6][8]

Ars Technica reported that the iMac offers two M6 chip options. The two-port variant features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, maxing out at 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. The four-port variant provides a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, supporting up to 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. Ars Technica added that the 14-inch MacBook Pro comes exclusively with the 12-core M6 chip option, supporting up to 32 GB of RAM and 4 TB of storage. [1]

Mashable and TechCrunch reported that the 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro offers up to 24 hours of battery life. Preorders for the new hardware open on Oct. 28 at 10:10 a.m. PT, according to Mashable and Digital Trends. Pricing for the baseline 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro starts at $1,999, Mashable reported, while PCMag UK put the starting price at at least $2,000. Digital Trends and Mashable confirmed that retail availability begins on Nov. 6. [2][5][6][10]

The MacBook Pro was introduced in 2006 as Apple's high-end laptop line, sitting above the MacBook Air, while the Apple silicon iMac was redesigned in 2021 around a 24-inch screen. The latest hardware updates follow Apple's transition away from Intel architecture to custom M-series processors across its desktop and laptop lines. [13][14][15]