2027 Macs to Get AI-Focused M7 Chips as Apple Skips High-End M6
Apple is reportedly adjusting its silicon chip launch timeline to prioritize artificial intelligence capabilities. The company plans to introduce an M6 chip for entry-level Macs this year, but is skipping M6 Pro and Max variants. Instead, these higher-end chips will debut with the M7 lineup starting in 2027. An M5 Ultra chip is also expected by the end of this year. The accelerated M7 development is driven by its support for on-device AI and demanding GPU tasks. This marks a departure from Apple's usual tiered chip releases for each generation. The M6 is expected to feature improved memory bandwidth, a new Neural Engine, and a redesigned GPU. It could power entry-level MacBook Pros, Mac minis, iMacs, and iPads. Higher-end Macs will utilize the M7 Pro and M7 Max chips. The M5 Ultra is anticipated for a refreshed Mac Studio with substantial CPU and GPU power.