Apple Adds M6 Chips to iMac

Apple released an updated iMac today that swaps the previous M4 processor for the newer M6 chip. The company announced the hardware change ahead of its Pro and Tell event, which is scheduled for Wednesday. The new machine maintains the same physical design as its predecessor, but the internal upgrade offers a performance lift for users running local AI tasks. Apple states that the M6-powered iMac delivers up to five times faster on-device AI performance compared to the M4 model. The M6 is Apple's first 2-nanometer chip and includes a dual 16-core Neural Engine.

This refresh skips the M5 generation entirely, arriving two years after the last major iMac overhaul. The base configuration features a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This setup costs $1,499, which matches the starting price of the previous 8-core M4 model. A higher tier with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU begins at $1,699. Preorders open at 1:10 PM Eastern Time on October 28. The computers become available in stores starting November 6.

The new iMac includes Apple's N1 wireless networking chip. This component supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 on the base model, features that were previously limited to higher-spec variants. The port configuration remains consistent with the M4 era. The 10-core version includes two Thunderbolt ports, while the 12-core model offers four. Ethernet has been upgraded from 1 gigabit to 2.5 gigabit, though this now costs an extra $30 instead of being included by default.

Apple has introduced several new pricing structures for accessories. Customers who choose the Magic Trackpad over the Magic Mouse now pay a $50 premium, a fee that was not present in previous models. The company also removed the option to configure the device with a Magic Keyboard that features Touch ID but lacks a numeric keypad. This change is notable because the announcement page displays an image of that specific keyboard configuration. The color options remain identical to those introduced with the M4 iMac.

The update provides a tangible speed boost for processing power and wireless connectivity. However, the physical footprint and external design remain unchanged. The new pricing for optional add-ons like the trackpad and faster Ethernet adds to the total cost for users who customize their build. The product sits in the lineup as a direct successor to the M4 iMac, bridging the gap to the next major design cycle.