Apple’s rollout of Macs powered by the M6 chip has officially begun, and there are several new devices expected between now and early 2027. Here’s a clear roadmap for when the next batch of M6 Macs—and the M6 iPad Pro—are likely to hit.
Fall 2026: First wave
This fall, Apple is predicted to launch two new Macs with the M6 chip: the 14-inch base MacBook Pro and the iMac. These aren’t going to be top-tier models—sources say Apple is skipping the Pro and Max versions of M6 chips for now. That means we won’t see M6 Pro or M6 Max models yet; those are expected to debut with the M7 generation in 2027.
The new iMac is believed to receive a more modest refresh: the main upgrade will be swapping in the M6 chip, with only color options distinguishing it from its M4 predecessor. While that may seem slight, the performance boost from M4 to M6 is expected to make the update more than just cosmetic.
Early 2027: MacBook Air & iPad Pro join in
Following the fall launch, the MacBook Air is slated for an upgrade to M6 between February and April 2027. March is considered a likely candidate for unveiling. According to current reports, the new Air will retain its existing look, with neither design changes nor display upgrades expected until 2028—OLED screens included.
The iPad Pro is also in line for a spring 2027 update. It last saw its M5 chip in fall 2025, so this would align with its usual 18-month cycle. Beyond the chip swap, the biggest enhancement rumored is a vapor chamber for improved cooling, which should help sustain high performance in the slim form factor.
One important detail connecting both the MacBook Air and iPad Pro is that with the shift to a 2-nanometer manufacturing process, the M6 chip promises a major leap in efficiency. That suggests gains in battery life, alongside faster performance.
Some other anticipated launches don’t align with the M6 schedule. For instance, the much-talked-about touchscreen MacBook Pro or Ultra model is still expected, but it’s projected to use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips rather than M6.
Putting it all together, the rollout goes: M6 MacBook Pro (entry-level, 14-inch) and refreshed iMac arrive this fall; MacBook Air and iPad Pro follow in early 2027. Key upgrades will be chip improvements, thermal tweaks, and efficiency boosts, but major redesigns and display technology shifts are mostly off the table for now.
What this means and what to watch
The move to M6 underscores Apple’s focus on power efficiency and incremental performance across its product lineup. Users eyeing large display upgrades or OLED across Macs and iPads may need to wait. For those prioritizing performance now—especially in battery-sensitive usage—fall’s MacBook Pro and iMac could offer real gains. Keep an eye on Apple’s chip roadmap for clues about what M7 will bring; with Pro and Max chip tiers expected then, they may deliver the next major leap.
