Apple may bypass the Pro and Max versions of the M6 chip, focusing instead on the M7 for significant enhancements.
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It appears that Apple’s silicon strategy is set for another significant change. A recent report from Bloomberg indicates that the forthcoming M6 processor will only be available in a baseline version, with no Pro or Max options being offered. Apple is instead keeping those advanced upgrades for the M7 series, which will include an Ultra version.
"The company is undertaking this unusual move to accelerate the technologies it had initially planned to release later. This adjustment should assist in fulfilling the increasing demand for on-device AI capabilities and more graphics-intensive applications," the report states.
Given the current challenges in the component supply chain, Apple’s plans remain flexible, but it intends to launch the M6 this year, the M7 in mid-2027, the M7 Pro and M7 Max by late 2027, and the M7 Ultra in 2028. https://t.co/5EJxrp6jVi— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) June 25, 2026
Why is Apple rushing to release the baseline M6 chip early?
The report notes that Apple is already conducting internal tests on the M6 chip, which is expected to be featured in an entry-level MacBook Pro later this year. In terms of improvements, it is claimed that the basic M6 silicon will provide enhanced memory bandwidth to accelerate AI tasks and will also be superior for video editing and graphics-heavy tasks.
Alongside a more powerful memory system and an upgraded neural engine, the M6 chip will include a more robust GPU, featuring up to 12 graphics cores. Currently, the baseline M5 processor is equipped with 10 GPU cores, suggesting that the M6 will perform better for gaming, graphics-intensive productivity like video editing, and AI processes.
What's in store for the M7 lineup and beyond
Omar Al-Ghosson / Unsplash
Apple plans to launch the M7 silicon in the first half of 2027, with at least four variations expected, including Pro, Max, and Ultra models. The baseline M7 chip is reportedly set to elevate memory bandwidth to 240 GBps, an increase from 153 GBps on the existing M5 processor.
Additionally, the report highlights that Apple is still developing an M5 Ultra processor, which may debut in a revamped Mac Studio featuring 36 CPU cores and 80 graphics cores. This specific Mac Studio model could also support 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.
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Apple may bypass the Pro and Max versions of the M6 chip, focusing instead on the M7 for significant enhancements.
Apple might introduce the M6 chip only in a base configuration, bypassing the Pro and Max versions completely, and reserving those enhancements, along with a new Ultra variant, for the M7 series expected in early 2027.
