Apple is changing its chip roadmap by skipping the high-end versions of the upcoming M6 series. Instead of the usual tiered rollout, the company will release only the base M6 before jumping straight to the M7 lineup. This marks the first time since 2020 that a generation will lack Pro and Max configurations.

Testing shows the M6 will focus on an upgraded neural engine and a redesigned GPU with up to 12 cores. Memory bandwidth is a major focus, jumping to 200 gigabytes per second from the M5's 153. These changes aim to better handle concurrent rendering demands for AI and graphics tasks in entry-level MacBook Pros.

Power users will have to wait for the M7 series, which targets major AI advancements and a base bandwidth of 240 gigabytes per second. Meanwhile, a new Mac Studio may arrive this year featuring the M5 Ultra chip. This powerhouse targets 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores with support for 768 gigabytes of memory.

This strategy suggests a gap in the high-end market until the M7 Pro and Max arrive late next year. The M7 Ultra is slated for 2028. This shift prioritizes AI processing capabilities over the traditional annual cadence of Pro and Max chip releases.