Apple may bypass the Pro and Max variations for the M6 chip, focusing instead on the M7 for significant enhancements.

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      It appears that a new Mac Studio equipped with an M5 Ultra chip could be on the horizon.

      According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is set to undergo a significant shift in its silicon strategy. The forthcoming M6 processor will be released only as a base version, with no Pro or Max models available. Instead, Apple is saving those more powerful upgrades for the M7 series, which will include an Ultra variant.

      "The company is taking this unconventional approach to expedite technologies that were initially intended for later release. This change should address the increasing demand for on-device AI capabilities and more graphics-intensive applications," states the report.

      Apple’s plans may be flexible due to current supply chain issues, but it aims to launch the M6 this year, the M7 by mid-next year, the M7 Pro and M7 Max in late 2027, and the M7 Ultra in 2028.

      Why is Apple pushing the base M6 chip out ahead of schedule?

      The report indicates that Apple is already conducting internal testing on the M6 chip, which is anticipated to debut in an entry-level MacBook Pro later this year. In terms of upgrades, the baseline M6 silicon is expected to feature increased memory bandwidth to enhance AI task performance and improved capabilities for video editing and graphics-heavy operations.

      Along with a more robust memory system and enhanced neural engine, the M6 chip will include a stronger GPU boasting up to 12 graphics cores. Currently, the baseline M5 processor has only 10 GPU cores, suggesting the M6 will perform better in gaming, graphics-focused tasks like video editing, and AI functions.

      What to expect from the M7 lineup and beyond

      Concerning the M7 silicon, Apple intends to launch it in the first half of 2027, with at least four variants planned, including Pro, Max, and Ultra options. It is reported that the baseline M7 silicon will enhance memory bandwidth to 240 GBps, an increase from the 153 GBps offered by the current M5 processor.

      Notably, the report also indicates that Apple is still developing an M5 Ultra processor, which may feature in a new Mac Studio with 36 CPU cores and 80 graphics cores. This specific Mac Studio model could support up to 768 GB of memory upon its release later this year.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer with over nine years of editorial experience.

      The Macflation crisis is upon us, and I narrowly avoided it.

      Had I waited just 10 more days, I would have faced an additional $200 to purchase the same 13-inch M5 MacBook Air. When Apple finally succumbed to the memory crisis and raised prices across Mac and iPad on June 25, 2026, reactions varied from disbelief and frustration to resigned acceptance. My response was a quiet, slightly mischievous smile, which you’ll understand in a few minutes.

      My M1 MacBook Air (8GB, 256GB) has been feeling outdated since last year. It struggled under pressure, crashing quietly when I opened more than 10 or 15 Chrome tabs, forcing me to limit my usage. Casual video exports started taking significantly longer, and despite my efforts, the situation didn't improve.

      Microsoft Copilot now enhances your finance work in Excel with reusable skills and data connectors.

      Live financial data can now flow directly into your spreadsheet.

      Microsoft has given Copilot in Excel a substantial upgrade for those who work extensively with spreadsheets. The update focuses on three key areas that finance teams value: reusable workflows, live data from reliable sources, and a clear record of changes made by Copilot in your spreadsheet.

      Apple has just raised the prices of its products significantly.

      Apple managed to shield customers from memory costs longer than competitors, but the inevitable has finally occurred.

      For months, the memory crisis seemed to impact everyone else but not Apple. While other smartphone and laptop manufacturers quickly raised prices across their entry-level and flagship products, Apple absorbed the costs due to long-term supplier agreements that provided it with leverage that many brands lacked.

      Unfortunately, the situation has worsened. Earlier today, the Cupertino giant adjusted prices for multiple products, including MacBooks, iPads, and Mac Studio.