TL; DR
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is planning to release only a base M6 chip later this year.
- The company is reportedly no longer developing M6 Pro, M6 Max, or M6 Ultra variants.
- Apple is said to be preparing a redesigned MacBook Pro lineup with M7-series chips in 2027.
Apple could be making a major change to its Mac chip strategy. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple now plans to introduce only a standard M6 chip later this year, while reserving bigger upgrades for the next-generation M7 lineup expected in 2027.
Base M6 MacBook Pro reportedly arriving later this year
Gurman reports that Apple is working on a refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the base M6 chip, with a launch expected toward the end of 2026.
The M6 chip is expected to deliver the usual year-over-year improvements, including faster CPU and GPU performance, improved power efficiency, and an upgraded Neural Engine for AI workloads.
The update itself is reportedly limited to the entry-level MacBook Pro, suggesting that Apple may treat the M6 generation as a smaller refresh.
Apple may skip M6 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips entirely
One of the biggest takeaways from Gurman’s report is that Apple has reportedly shelved plans for higher-end M6 chips. If true, Apple will not release M6 Pro, M6 Max, or M6 Ultra processors.
Apple has traditionally introduced Pro, Max, and Ultra variants alongside or shortly after the base chip, so skipping an entire generation of high-end silicon would be a first for the company.
Redesigned MacBook Pro lineup expected with M7 chips
The bigger changes are reportedly being saved for 2027. Gurman says Apple is preparing a redesigned MacBook Pro lineup powered by the M7, M7 Pro, and M7 Max chips. The new chips are reportedly being developed with a stronger emphasis on on-device AI performance.
The redesigned machines could also bring broader hardware changes like a touch screen, although specific details about the new design remain unclear at this stage. Higher-end M7 Pro and M7 Max MacBook Pro models may not arrive until late 2027.
Reported MacBook Pro roadmap
| Model | Expected launch | Chip |
| MacBook Pro (14-inch) | Late 2026 | M6 |
| Redesigned MacBook Pro | 2027 | M7 |
| High-end MacBook Pro | Late 2027 | M7 Pro / M7 Max |
More details about Apple’s future Mac roadmap are expected to emerge in the coming months.
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