Ever since Apple started making M-series of chips for laptops, the launch has followed a pattern of sorts. We first get the base M-series chip (M1, M2, M3 etc), then the more powerful chips for users who need more power (M1 Pro, M2 Pro, M3 Pro), and finally the top-of-the-line chips that are for those who need immense compute power (M1 Pro Max, M2 Pro Max etc). But for the last couple of days, there have been reports suggesting that this time, Apple might do something none of us predicted. The Cupertino-based tech giant might not launch the M6 Pro or the M6 Pro Max chip at all. And Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman might just know the reason behind it all.
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According to Gurman, Apple is planning to launch the standard M6 chip later this year, but it has no plans to introduce the M6 Pro, M6 Max or even the M6 Ultra chip. As mentioned already, this is a major shift from the company’s usual release strategy, where every base M-series chip is followed by more powerful Pro, Max and Ultra variants.
But this time, Apple is reportedly planning to move directly to the M7 family of chips. Gurman says the company is expected to launch the base M7 chip in the first half of 2027, followed by the M7 Pro and M7 Max later that year. The M7 Ultra chip is then expected to arrive in 2028.
PS: We might still be getting the M5 Ultra chip later this year.
Now, why is Apple deciding to shake things up at all. The reason, apparently, is AI. Gurman claims Apple had been working on major upgrades for the Neural Engine in the M7 family and decided those improvements were important enough to prioritise the next generation instead of completing the M6 lineup.
That said, the upcoming M7 Ultra chip is expected to deliver a major boost in AI performance and could eventually power Apple Intelligence servers starting in 2029.
What do you think of this move by Apple? Do let us know and keep watching this space for more such updates.
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