Apple M6 Chip Powers New MacBook Pro and iMac as On-Device AI Takes Centre Stage

For developers, faster local AI processing could make experimentation with supported language models more practical. Photographers, video editors and designers could also benefit from faster image processing and graphics-intensive workflows.

The extent of these benefits will depend on software support, available memory and the complexity of each task.

MacBook Pro gets a major performance update

The new 14-inch MacBook Pro combines the M6 processor with a Liquid Retina XDR display, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and a battery life rated by Apple at up to 24 hours.

Apple says the laptop offers up to 170GB/s of unified memory bandwidth and comes with 16GB of unified memory, configurable to 32GB. The computer also supports up to two external displays and includes Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, MagSafe 3 and an SDXC card slot.

The US starting price is $1,999. Pre-orders began on October 28, with availability scheduled to start November 6.

For people upgrading from older Intel-based Macs or the M1 generation, the new model could offer substantial improvements. Owners of recent Apple silicon computers should compare real-world performance, memory requirements and pricing before deciding whether to upgrade.

What the M6 means for the iMac

Apple has also introduced a refreshed 24-inch iMac with M6, extending the chip to its all-in-one desktop range.

The new iMac starts at $1,499 in the United States for a configuration with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. A higher configuration with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU starts at $1,699.

The desktop and laptop launches suggest Apple is positioning the M6 as a processor for a broad range of users, from home and office customers to developers and creative professionals.

What buyers should consider

The M6's specifications are promising, but processor speed is only one part of a computer purchase. Memory capacity, storage, display quality, software compatibility, repairability and the price of the complete configuration also matter.

For buyers in Bangladesh, the US launch price is a reference point rather than a local retail price. Import costs, taxes, exchange rates, warranty arrangements and retailer pricing can affect the final amount paid. Local availability and pricing should be confirmed with authorised sellers before making a purchase.

Independent reviews and repeatable benchmark tests will help establish how much faster the M6 is in everyday use and whether its AI capabilities provide a meaningful advantage over earlier Macs.

The key question is no longer simply whether Apple can make its processors faster. It is whether the M6's combination of performance, battery life and local AI processing offers enough practical value to justify upgrading.