Apple Turbocharges 14-Inch MacBook Pro And iMac With Faster M6 Silicon

by Aaron Leong — Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 10:01 AM EDT

The iMac with M6 gets a healthy powerformance boost over the previous generation — The iMac with M6 gets a healthy performance boost over the previous generation - Image: Apple

Apple is strengthening its desktop and portable computer lineup by launching new versions of the 24-inch iMac and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, with both powered by it's next-generation M6 chip.

Announced just ahead of Apple's scheduled media showcase in Los Angeles, the latest machines don't tout any radical design overhaul and instead are focused primarily on improving the innards (i.e. overall performance), incorporating AI capabilities, and expanding connectivity options.

The M6 chip has made its way to the base MacBook Pro - Image: Apple

The highlight of the iMac and MacBook Pro has got to be the M6 processor, which is based off of TSMC's 2nm (N2) process that promises large gains in raw computing power and energy efficiency. Essentially, the revised hardware should be able to handle intensive multitasking and 3D graphics rendering with ease; M6 users are noticing up to twice as fast video export and processing times versus the M4, for example. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 also ensures faster wireless throughput, lower latency, and more robust network stability when paired with compatible routers.

Look at all the fun color options - Image: Apple

The revised 24-inch iMac retains its ultra-slim profile and vibrant color options, offering the same 4.5K Retina display as before. That said, swapping to the M6 turns this iMac into quite the beast while running cooler than before.

Similarly, the 14-inch MacBook Pro keeps its familiar Liquid Retina XDR display, port selection, and durable aluminum enclosure. Including the M6 chip to this base model does bridge the gap somewhat for customers who might want a blend of casual computing and professional-grade performance without needing to fork up for the Max or Pro configurations.

Of course, the M6 also brings a dual 16-core Neural Engine and Neural Accelerators that prioritize on-device AI tasks, enabling smoother real-time dictation, enhanced photo editing tools, and faster local model execution. Another nicety is that the M6 has improved heat management that allows for sustained peak performance workloads for longer periods without throttling or activating the fans as much.

Preorders start Wednesday, October 28, while retail availability is slated for early next month. The 14-inch MacBook Pro M6 starts at a smidge under $2,000, whereas the iMac starts at $1,500 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU version. Bumping the latter to the 12-core CPU/GPU model raises the starting price to $1,700.