Apple will reportedly bypass the M6 Pro and Max chips in favor of advancing directly to the M7 generation. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported that this shift could mark the first time Apple offers only a base version of its in-house silicon without Pro or Max variants. The company’s upcoming M7 chips are expected to focus on on-device AI processing.
According to Gurman, instead of releasing enhanced versions of the M6, Apple plans to leap ahead to the M7 line. This aligns with the tech giant’s emphasis on AI, highlighted during the recent WWDC keynote, indicating a sustained commitment to on-device artificial intelligence in new hardware.
The M7 is anticipated to launch in the first half of 2027, followed by M7 Max and Pro models likely by the end of the year. Additionally, an M7 Ultra model may debut in 2028, as Apple has not released an Ultra variant since the M3 generation.
The implications of this strategic change are not yet clear, particularly regarding the rumored touchscreen laptop that might accompany the M6 MacBook Pro. Earlier this year, Apple released the M5 Pro and Max chips and is projected to announce the M6 for entry-level MacBooks before the end of 2026.
