Apple continued its week of launches on Tuesday, announcing a new generation of iMac and 14-inch MacBook Pro computers with the M6, its new generation of chips. It is the second day in a row of announcements: on Monday the company unveiled a new iPad mini with an OLED display, and on Wednesday it will hold a "Pro and Tell" event, where, according to reports, the week's biggest announcement is expected.
What's new in the iMac
The 24-inch iMac keeps the same design and the same colors, and the main change is inside. The base model comes with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, and a higher model with 12 cores in each. According to Apple and to reports, the computer also includes the company's N1 networking chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and faster storage. Apple particularly highlights better performance for AI workloads.
US pricing starts at $1,499 for the base model and $1,699 for the 12-core model. That is the same price as after June's price increase, but more than the $1,299 at which the M4 iMac launched in 2024.
A quiet upgrade for the MacBook Pro
The 14-inch MacBook Pro also gets the M6 chip, with a 12-core CPU and GPU, up from 10 in the previous generation, as well as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. According to reports, beyond that the computer is nearly identical to the M5 model, and pricing starts at $1,999.
Orders for both computers open tomorrow, October 28, in 35 countries and regions, and they will reach customers and stores from November 6. Apple has not published Israeli pricing, and as usual prices in Israel are expected to be higher because of taxes and import costs.
The real story comes tomorrow
Today's upgrades are mostly a chip swap, and Apple appears to be saving the surprise for tomorrow. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is expected to unveil higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreens on Wednesday. If that happens, it would mark a significant shift for Apple, which for years resisted touchscreens on its laptops. For now these are only reports, and Apple has not confirmed them.
Who it's for
Anyone with an M4 or M5 iMac or MacBook Pro has no reason to rush to upgrade. For people still working on an Intel Mac or on M1 and M2 chips, this generation could be a good opportunity. It is worth waiting a day to see what Apple shows tomorrow before deciding.
