Mark Gurman reports Apple will skip the Pro and Max variants of its upcoming M6 chips, limiting the line to a single base processor for iPads and entry‑level Macs. The move accelerates development of the next generation, positioning the AI‑centric M7 series as the company’s primary focus.

The M6 still promises a notable jump from the M5, featuring updated memory architecture, higher bandwidth, a faster CPU and a GPU expanded to 12 cores instead of ten. Apple also plans a stronger Neural Engine and improved video codecs. M7 is slated for an early 2027 launch, with Pro and Max variants later that year and an Ultra model hitting early 2028.

Supply‑chain and cost pressures have already delayed the M5 Ultra, but Apple refuses to drop it entirely. By concentrating resources on AI‑ready silicon, the company hopes to keep its Mac line competitive against rivals pushing machine‑learning workloads. Consumers can expect the next Mac Studio to arrive with the Ultra chip in early 2028, cementing Apple’s AI ambition.

The streamlined M6 rollout means developers will have less time to optimize for Pro and Max tiers, but the accelerated M7 timeline could spur faster adoption of on‑device AI features across Apple’s ecosystem. Early adopters of the base M6 will still benefit from the upgraded GPU and Neural Engine before the full AI push arrives.