Apple launches M6 MacBook Pro with upgraded processor and Wi-Fi 7
The new 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro retains the 2021 chassis but adds a 12-core chip, Wi-Fi 7, and a higher starting price of $1,999, prompting buyers to weigh it against an upcoming OLED model.
Apple released the M6 MacBook Pro on November 6, keeping the same 14-inch mini-LED chassis introduced in 2021 while upgrading the processor to a 12-core M6 chip and adding an N1 networking chip that supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. The base configuration starts at $1,999 and includes 16 GB of unified memory and a 1 TB SSD.
The laptop’s hardware remains largely unchanged from the previous generation: a 14.2-inch mini-LED display with 120 Hz adaptive refresh, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, an SD card slot, MagSafe charging and a 12-MP Center Stage webcam. Reviewers note that the screen is bright and color-accurate, the trackpad continues to be class-leading, and the speakers and microphone array deliver strong audio performance. Battery life exceeds 12 hours of mixed use, according to testing.
Performance benchmarks show the M6 chip handling everyday tasks, photo editing and light gaming comfortably, though the device’s fan only becomes audible during sustained video rendering or demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077. Memory-intensive workflows, like high-resolution video encoding or local AI models, may benefit from upgrading to 24 GB or 36 GB of RAM, which raises the price to $2,199 and $2,399 respectively.
The main market consideration is the upcoming OLED-screen MacBook Pro, which is expected to arrive next year with a thinner, lighter chassis and a higher-end display. Potential buyers are advised to decide whether the current M6 model meets their needs now or if waiting for the next-generation design is preferable.