M6 MacBook Pro vs M5 MacBook Pro: What’s actually changed?

Today Apple unveiled a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 chip. It has the same design as before and many of the same features, so what’s actually changed? Here’s what’s new. #1: M6 chip Here’s a quick rundown of how the M6 chip compares to last year’s M5, per Apple: M6 chip 12-core CPU with 2 super cores, 4 performance cores, and 6 efficiency cores 12-core GPU Dual 16-core Neural Engine Up to 170GB/s memory bandwidth M5 chip 10-core CPU with 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores 10-core GPU 16-core Neural Engine 153GB/s memory bandwidth In real-world use, here are the gains Apple says to expect: “The 12-core GPU delivers up to 30 percent faster graphics and up to 25 percent faster AI workloads when compared to M5.” Finally, here are some pro workflow examples that compare the M6 MacBook Pro to the M5: Up to 1.3x faster time to first token performance for LLM prompt processing Up to 1.3x faster render performance with ray tracing in Blender Up to 1.2x faster image-processing performance in Affinity Up to 1.3x faster project build performance when compiling code in Xcode #2: N1 wireless chip Apple’s N1 wireless chip that first debuted in the iPhone 17 is now included in the MacBook Pro too. N1 gives the new MacBook Pro two main upgrades: Wi-Fi 7 support, up from Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 6, up from Bluetooth 5.3 Apple also says that N1 improves the performance and reliability of certain features such as AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. M6 MacBook Pro vs M5 model: wrap-up Surprisingly, that’s the end of the list for M6 MacBook Pro upgrades. The new model is solely a spec bump update, with two new chips and no other listed changes. That said, the M6 MacBook Pro is still a fantastic computer for anyone who wants Apple’s latest chip with a great Liquid Retina XDR display and excellent battery life. But if you’re interested in something more radically new, Apple’s redesigned MacBook Pro with high-end chips is expected to be unveiled tomorrow. Are you buying an M6 MacBook Pro? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments. *Buy Mac with 15% discount from Apple refurbished Best Mac accessories Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter tomtoc protective MacBook sleeve bag Twelve South aluminum laptop stand for MacBooks Anker Docking Station USB-C with Ethernet, HDMI, SD, more FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.