Apple unveils M6-powered MacBook Pro, iMac with faster AI performance

Apple on Tuesday unveiled updated versions of its 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac powered by the M6 chip, promising faster processing, improved graphics and enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities as it continues to strengthen its Mac computer lineup.

The latest devices are designed to handle demanding professional applications and AI workloads directly on the hardware, reducing the need to rely on cloud-based processing for certain tasks.

The new MacBook Pro starts at Rs 2,39,900 in India, while the updated iMac is priced from Rs 1,74,900. Pre-orders for both devices will begin on October 28, with availability scheduled from November 6.

MacBook Pro gets faster graphics

The updated 14-inch MacBook Pro features Apple's M6 processor with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, alongside a dual 16-core Neural Engine designed to accelerate AI-related operations.

According to Apple, the new processor delivers up to 30 per cent faster graphics performance and up to 25 per cent faster AI workloads compared with the previous M5-powered model.

The company said users upgrading from older M1-based MacBook Pro models could experience significantly larger improvements, including up to 11 times faster graphics and up to 13 times faster AI performance in specified workloads.

The laptop supports up to 32GB of unified memory, with memory bandwidth reaching 170GB per second. It also introduces Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.

Battery life reaches 24 hours

Apple claims the new MacBook Pro can deliver up to 24 hours of battery life, its longest advertised battery endurance for a Mac.

The improvement is intended to support users working with demanding applications such as video editing, software development, graphic design and local AI models.

The laptop retains the established MacBook Pro design while offering improvements in processing performance, connectivity and storage speeds.

iMac receives major AI upgrade

The updated 24-inch iMac is powered by the M6 chip, with configurations offering up to a 12-core CPU and a 12-core GPU. Apple claims the desktop delivers up to five times faster on-device AI performance compared with the previous M4-powered model.

The iMac retains its 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, offering up to 500 nits of brightness, alongside a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with Desk View support.

Connectivity improvements include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and optional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. The desktop also supports up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Apple is offering the updated iMac in seven colours — blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver. Colour-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse accessories are included.

Focus on on-device artificial intelligence

The M6 chip introduces improvements intended to accelerate AI processing, including Neural Accelerators integrated into the graphics cores and a dual 16-core Neural Engine.

Apple said the enhanced processing architecture would support activities such as running large language models locally, AI-assisted image editing, video production and software development.

The new machines also support Apple's intelligence features integrated into macOS 27, including updated Siri capabilities.

India prices and availability

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 starts at Rs 2,39,900 for the configuration offering 16GB unified memory and 1TB storage. Customers can choose higher memory and storage configurations.

The M6-powered iMac starts at Rs 1,74,900, with the base model offering 16GB unified memory and 256GB storage.

Both devices will be available for pre-order in India from October 28 and will go on sale on November 6.

The announcements come ahead of Apple's scheduled 'Pro and Tell' event on October 28, where the company is expected to unveil further additions to its Mac lineup.