Apple M6 MacBook Pro and iMac: What Changed and Who Should Care
Apple announced two new Macs on October 27, 2026: a 14-inch MacBook Pro and a 24-inch iMac, both running its new M6 chip. The designs look familiar. The story here is speed for on-device AI work, longer battery life on the laptop, and prices that hold where they were.
The MacBook Pro in short
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,999 in the US, according to Reuters reporting on Apple’s announcement. Apple says graphics run up to 30% faster than the M5 model, and on-device AI work runs up to 25% faster. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours, which Apple calls the longest ever in a Mac. You also get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Everything else — the display, ports and overall shape — stays close to the model it replaces.
The iMac in short
The new 24-inch iMac starts at $1,499 in the US, with a higher 12-core version at $1,699, again per Reuters. Apple says it runs on-device AI work up to 5 times faster than the previous M4 iMac, with faster graphics and faster storage. The 4.5K display and the colour choices carry over. If you liked the last iMac, this one looks the same and runs faster.
When can you buy one
Pre-orders opened October 28 in 35 countries and regions including the US, with availability from November 6, per the same reporting. Prices and dates outside the US can differ, so check Apple’s local store before you plan a purchase. Apple is also holding an event in Los Angeles on October 28, with reports pointing to more Mac news there — another reason not to rush if you are not in a hurry.
Who should care, and who should wait
You should care if you run AI tools on your own machine every day, edit video, or want a laptop that lasts a full day away from a charger. The on-device AI gains matter most when your work stays on the machine instead of going to the cloud. You should wait if your current Mac still handles your work, or if you want to see what Apple announces at the October 28 event first. A familiar design with a faster chip is a solid upgrade, not a reason to replace a machine that still works.
The M6 Macs are about doing more AI work on the device itself, without a redesign. That is a quiet change with real day-to-day effects — if your work needs it.
Sources: Apple and Reuters: Apple launches M6 MacBook Pro and iMac. Related: Make Your Old Laptop Feel New Again and Tablet vs Laptop 2026.
