Tech · NEWS EXPLAINER
M6 MacBook Pro and iMac: October 28 preorders, with configurations worth checking
Apple's new Macs arrive November 6. U.S. starting prices are $1,999 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro and $1,499 for iMac, but storage, chip cores and ports differ.
Apple announced M6 versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 24-inch iMac on October 27, with U.S. preorders scheduled for October 28 and availability from November 6. Both gain Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The useful buying question is which configuration meets your workload and connections, rather than whether the box says M6.
The notebook starts at $1,999 in the United States; iMac starts at $1,499. Those are different kinds of computer and different starting configurations. Compare the actual memory, storage and port list before treating the $500 difference as a like-for-like saving.
Start with the configuration, then compare the price
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro pairs a 12-core CPU with a 12-core GPU. It starts with 16GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage, and retains three Thunderbolt 4 ports alongside HDMI, SDXC and MagSafe. Apple lists a Liquid Retina XDR display and battery life of up to 24 hours; that battery figure depends on use and configuration.
The $1,499 iMac has a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of memory, 256GB of storage and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. A $1,699 configuration moves to 12 CPU and 12 GPU cores and four Thunderbolt ports. Its 24-inch 4.5K display suits a fixed desk. Confirm the selected storage and included accessories in the order summary.
Read performance claims against the right baseline
Apple advertises up to 30% faster graphics and up to 25% faster AI workloads for the notebook against M5. Its iMac comparisons use M4 and include up to twice the graphics performance and up to five times the on-device AI performance. These are different benchmarks against different previous models, not a ranking of the two new Macs.
The figures are manufacturer test claims, not measurements by Watch at Ease. A buyer with a specific video project, plug-in or local model should check that workload's memory and software requirements and seek a matching independent test. A faster accelerator does not remove a memory-capacity limit.
Check the region and the exact model before ordering
The October 28 preorder date here refers to Apple's U.S. announcement. Japan's MacBook Pro announcement and ITmedia report give October 29 locally; November 6 remains the stated availability date. Delivery estimates and options should be checked in the local store at checkout.
This announcement covers the standard M6 14-inch notebook and M6 iMac. It does not establish new M6 Pro or M6 Max models, or a touchscreen/OLED MacBook Pro. Keep rumored products separate from the configuration on sale. For AI features, also check the supported language, region and software version rather than assuming the chip guarantees every feature.
