Apple to launch 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro with dual neural engine and new core architecture
Apple plans to release a 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the new M6 chip, featuring a dual 16-core Neural Engine, a 12-core CPU/GPU with three core types, and improved power efficiency from a 2nm process.
Apple is set to introduce a 14-inch MacBook Pro this fall that will incorporate the newly announced M6 chip while retaining the current chassis design. The M6 processor adds a dual 16-core Neural Engine, which Apple says can deliver up to twice the peak compute performance of earlier generations, allowing system frameworks to run AI models faster.
The chip also expands the core count to 12 for both the CPU and GPU, up from the 10 cores in the M5. For the first time in a base-level chip, Apple includes three distinct CPU core types: two "super" cores for single-threaded tasks, four performance cores that operate with lower power and collaborate with the super cores on multithreaded workloads, and six efficiency cores for background processes. Apple notes that these configurations were previously limited to its Pro-level chips.
Built on a new 2-nanometer manufacturing process, the M6 is described as offering a major leap in performance and power efficiency. While the chip currently powers the Mac mini, its inclusion in the upcoming MacBook Pro and other portable devices is expected to extend battery life, though Apple has not confirmed specific endurance figures.
"M6 also introduces a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, providing up to 2x the peak compute over previous generations to make on-device AI workflows run even faster," Apple said.
"Super cores blaze through single-threaded workloads; performance cores use less power and join the super cores to run demanding multithreaded workloads; efficiency cores handle everyday background tasks," the company added.
The company has not disclosed pricing or detailed specifications beyond the processor upgrades.