Apple unveils M6-powered MacBook Pro and iMac without raising prices

Apple has revealed a new line of Mac computers featuring its latest M6 chip, but has maintained its pricing as it prepares for the anticipated launch of its first touchscreen MacBook. The tech giant unveiled a refreshed MacBook Pro and iMac desktop, both equipped with the optimized M6 processor designed to tackle more demanding artificial intelligence tasks, according to statements from Apple on Tuesday.

The M6 chip, announced in August, boasts a larger 12-core processor, 12-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine, representing a significant leap from previous iterations due to its 2-nanometre construction, which enables more transistors and enhanced speed and power.

The new 14-inch MacBook Pro is up to 13 times faster than its predecessors and offers a 30 percent faster GPU and 25 percent quicker AI performance compared to the M5 chip. Apple positions the MacBook Pro for a broad audience, ranging from college students to business professionals and creative individuals. Shelly Goldberg, Apple’s vice president of hardware engineering, emphasized the MacBook Pro's versatility.

Meanwhile, the latest iMac boasts up to 12 times faster on-device AI capabilities, enabling users to run more powerful AI models. This is a departure from Apple’s previous strategy, as it previously skipped an M5 version before launching the iMac in 2024. Goldberg highlighted the iMac’s ability to cater to business needs, personal management, and creative pursuits.

Apple has kept the prices for these new products unchanged. In the UAE, the MacBook Pro and iMac start at Dh8,499 and Dh6,499, respectively, matching their previous pricing after a July price increase. This move follows Apple's recent admission that price hikes were necessary due to escalating chip costs, a trend shared by other major tech companies.

The new lineup precedes Apple's anticipated announcement of its first touchscreen MacBook during the Pro and Tell event on Wednesday, marking a significant hardware update under new CEO John Ternus, following the recently launched foldable iPhone Duo. Additionally, Apple announced enhanced AI tools for its Creator Studio suite, including Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro, which will be rolled out as a free update to existing subscribers in November.