Apple Updates the Entry-Level MacBook Pro with M6 Chips
Apple is refreshing its entry-level portable computer lineup today with the introduction of the M6 chip, bringing faster performance and updated wireless networking.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Introduction and Release Details
Apple is giving its entry-level notebook a performance and specification bump. After upgrading the entry-level MacBook Pro with its M5 chip a year ago, Apple is refreshing the laptop today with the M6 chip, which the company launched in August as part of recent upgrades to the new Mac Mini.
The latest hardware revision was officially announced this morning through a press release. Preorders for the updated computer start on October 28th, and shipping is scheduled to begin on November 6th.
Design, Ports, and Connectivity Upgrades
Last year's entry-level MacBook Pro update brought minimal changes from the model that debuted prior, carrying the same overall design, port layout, webcam, and speakers. For 2026, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro follows a similar approach regarding its physical footprint.
The laptop features three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports that all support charging and DisplayPort connectivity, alongside a MagSafe 3 charging port, full-size HDMI, and an SDXC memory card slot to accommodate photographers. It carries forward the same 12MP Center Stage camera and Liquid Retina XDR display with an optional nano-texture coating.
A notable hardware addition this year is the upgrade to both Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. This connectivity enhancement is powered by the Apple N1 wireless networking chip, which was previously limited to configurations featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
M6 Processor Specifications and Performance
The newly integrated M6 processor is Apple's first 2nm chip, featuring an upgraded 12-core CPU compared to the 10-core CPU found in the previous generation M5. According to Apple, this silicon delivers up to 1.2x faster multithreaded performance than its predecessor while remaining more power efficient.
Additionally, the M6 incorporates a Dual 16-core Neural Engine designed to manage heavy on-device artificial intelligence tasks. It also features an upgraded 12-core GPU equipped with a dedicated Neural Accelerator inside each core.
Pricing, Configurations, and Storage Costs
Pricing for the new M6-equipped portable computer begins at $1,999 for the configuration featuring 16GB of memory, matching the starting price of the previous model. Upgrading the memory to 24GB increases the price to $2,199, while selecting 32GB brings the cost to $2,399.
While base storage remains set at 1TB, upgrading internal storage capacities has become more expensive due to the current memory shortage affecting the broader electronics market. Bumping storage to 2TB requires an additional $500, whereas expanding capacity to 4TB now carries an extra fee of $1,500.
Sources
- The VergeApple updates the MacBook Pro with M6 chips
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