23 Daily — According to arstechnica.com, Apple announced on October 27, 2026, a refresh of its iMac and entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, both featuring the new M6 chip. The updated models also support the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 technologies, enhancing performance and connectivity. Pre-orders begin October 28, with shipments starting November 6.
M6 and N1 Chips Enhance iMac and MacBook Pro Capabilities
Apple’s new iMac offers two M6 chip configurations: one with two Thunderbolt ports boasting a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU; the other with four Thunderbolt ports, featuring 12 cores each for CPU and GPU. The two-port model supports up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage, while the four-port version maxes out at 32GB RAM and 2TB storage. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is configured with a single M6 chip option featuring a 12-core CPU and GPU, supporting up to 32GB RAM and 4TB storage.
Significant Performance Boosts, Larger Upgrade for iMac
Apple skipped the M5 chip for iMac, moving directly from M4 to M6. Based on previous Mac mini benchmarks, the M6 chip offers up to 40% faster CPU performance, up to double the graphics performance, and nearly five times faster on-device AI processing. SSD read/write speeds also double compared to the M4 iMac. The 14-inch MacBook Pro’s upgrade from M5 to M6 yields a 30% increase in graphics performance and double the Neural Engine capability.
Improved Wireless Connectivity and Pricing Details
In addition to the M6 chip, both devices incorporate the N1 chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support for faster and more reliable wireless connections. The iMac can be configured with up to 2.5Gb Ethernet, while the MacBook Pro does not have an Ethernet port. Both maintain the same outward design as their predecessors. Pricing for the iMac starts at
Editor's take: Enhanced Performance and Connectivity Open Entrepreneurial Doors
Apple’s leap to the M6 chip in its iMac and MacBook Pro underscores its focus on advancing its custom silicon ecosystem. For software developers and hardware startups, the bolstered CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities enable development of more complex applications and services, including high-performance graphics processing and machine learning. The wireless upgrades present opportunities for IoT and remote collaboration solutions. Entrepreneurs can validate these advantages by testing the enhanced performance and networking capabilities on M6 and N1-powered devices to assess impact on development and user experience.