Apple has recently announced significant updates to its iMac and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro, both of which are now powered by the new M6 chip. This chip was first introduced in the Mac mini a few weeks prior.
The iMac offers two configurations of the M6 chip. The option featuring “M6 chip with two Thunderbolt ports” includes a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, while the version equipped with “M6 chip with four Thunderbolt ports” boasts a robust 12-core setup for both CPU and GPU. The two-port version supports a maximum of 24 GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, whereas the four-port configuration is available with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
For the MacBook Pro, users have a single option featuring the M6 chip, which includes both a 12-core GPU and CPU. This model supports a maximum of 32GB of RAM and can be equipped with up to 4TB of storage.
This update marks a more substantial refresh for the iMac, which last saw an update featuring the M4 chip. Notably, Apple skipped the M5 entirely, moving directly to this latest iteration. Performance improvements from the M4 to the M6 are promising, with Apple reporting up to 40% faster CPU performance, doubling the graphic capabilities, and nearly fivefold improvements in on-device AI processing, metrics that align closely with those observed during the M6 Mac mini tests conducted last month.
Editor’s Take
The launch of the M6 chip represents a strategic upgrade for Apple, enhancing performance metrics that are crucial for both everyday users and professionals. With significant gains in CPU speed and graphics performance, the new iMac and MacBook Pro models are likely to appeal to creators and developers alike. This transition could further solidify Apple’s foothold in the competitive computing market, especially as demand for higher processing power grows in AI applications and beyond.
Source: arstechnica.com
