Apple Inc. is planning a major overhaul of its MacBook and iMac lineup over the coming months, beginning with a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M6 chip and the first iMac refresh in two years, according to a Bloomberg report. The refreshes aim to capitalize on soaring demand for high-performance devices driven by AI applications. Development of both devices has been completed, though they are not expected to ship until the fall. The rollout extends beyond initial releases, with updated MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio models featuring newer chips also in the works. Apple's Mac business is projected to post sales growth for a third consecutive year as demand for powerful laptops and desktops rises amid the AI boom.
Apple Completes Development of M6-Powered MacBook Pro and iMac
Apple is preparing to roll out refreshed versions of every Mac it sells over the coming months. The new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro will be powered by the M6 chip, marking the first iMac refresh in two years. According to the Bloomberg report, development of both devices is complete, though they are not expected to ship until the fall.
Beyond the initial wave, Apple is working on updated MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio models with newer chips. A redesigned high-end MacBook Pro featuring an OLED display and touchscreen remains on track for release between late this year and early next year.
The high-end MacBook Pro will be powered by the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, which currently power the notebooks Apple launched in March. Apple is planning to launch new models powered by M7 Pro and M7 Max chips in 2027 and 2028. The report notes that the rollout of some desktop models could depend on memory chip availability.
Mac Business Projects Third Consecutive Year of Sales Growth Amid AI Demand
Apple's Mac business is projected to post sales growth for a third consecutive year as demand for powerful laptops and desktops rises amid the AI boom, according to the Bloomberg report. The devices have recently gained popularity among users running computing-intensive AI agents.
Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio have become popular for AI applications because of their processing power and ability to connect to external monitors and different computing environments. Demand has outpaced supply, with some current Mac mini and Mac Studio models facing shipping delays of at least three months.
AAPL Shares Down Nearly 1% Wednesday Morning
Apple shares were down nearly 1% in Wednesday morning's trade. AAPL stock is up 20% year-to-date and 52% over the past 12 months. The S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is up 19% over the past 12 months, while the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) is up 26%.
Retail sentiment on Stocktwits around Apple trended in the 'bullish' territory, with message volumes at 'high' levels at the time of writing.
FAQ
What new Mac products is Apple planning to release?
Apple is preparing to release a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M6 chip and the first iMac refresh in two years. The company is also working on updated MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Studio models with newer chips, along with a redesigned high-end MacBook Pro featuring an OLED display and touchscreen.
Why is Apple overhauling its Mac lineup?
Apple is overhauling its Mac lineup to capitalize on soaring demand for high-performance devices driven by AI applications. The devices have recently gained popularity among users running computing-intensive AI agents, with Apple's Mac business projected to post sales growth for a third consecutive year amid the AI boom.
When will the new MacBook Pro and iMac ship?
According to the Bloomberg report, development of the new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro and iMac is complete, though they are not expected to ship until the fall. The redesigned high-end MacBook Pro is on track for release between late this year and early next year.
