What to Expect from the M6 iMac
The first reports about Apple’s plans emerged in July, when Bloomberg revealed that the company was preparing several next-generation computers, including an iMac powered by the M6 chip.
In August, Gurman shared further details, saying that the updated all-in-one is expected to retain the familiar 24-inch format. A major redesign appears unlikely, and the new iMac will probably look similar to the current model. The most significant changes are expected to be under the hood and in the available color lineup.
According to the available information, Apple is testing several versions of the new iMac. They could differ in CPU and GPU core counts, as well as in their selection of ports. Exact specifications, memory options, and pricing remain unknown.
An OLED display is unlikely to be part of this update. Reports have linked the technology to a later iMac project rather than the upcoming M6 model.
What’s New in the M6 Chip
The M6 is Apple’s first chip built using a 2-nanometer process. Its base configuration features a 12-core CPU, a 12-core GPU, and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine.
For the next iMac, this could mean faster performance in everyday and professional applications, improved graphics, and more processing power for on-device AI. The chip supports up to 32GB of unified memory and provides up to 170GB/s of memory bandwidth.
According to Apple, the M6 delivers up to 1.2 times faster multithreaded CPU performance than the M5, while peak GPU compute performance for AI workloads has increased by nearly 30%. However, Apple conducted these tests using preproduction Mac mini systems. The iMac’s actual performance will depend on its configuration, thermal design, and power limits.
In other words, the M6 promises a meaningful performance upgrade under the hood, but not necessarily a complete overhaul of the computer itself.
What We Know About the iMac’s Updated Color Palette
Colors could become the clearest visual distinction between the new and current models. In March, MacRumors reported, citing Mark Gurman, that Apple was considering a refreshed color palette for the iMac.
The exact shades remain unknown. The current iMac with M4 is available in blue, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green, and silver. When Apple introduced the M4 version, it retained the familiar color names but subtly adjusted the shades.
“New colors” could therefore mean entirely new options or redesigned versions of the existing palette. Color has long been part of the iMac’s visual identity, so even relatively small changes could help Apple distinguish the new model without giving it a major redesign.
When Could the M6 iMac Be Released?
According to Mark Gurman, all signs point to the first M6-powered Macs nearing launch. His reporting suggests that the updated iMac should arrive before the end of 2026.
Gurman has not provided a specific month or revealed how Apple plans to announce the computer. The company could unveil it at a dedicated event, introduce it through a press release, or announce it alongside other Mac models. For now, linking the new iMac to any particular Apple presentation would be premature.
At this stage, only the existence of the M6 chip and its specifications have been officially confirmed. Everything else – including the 24-inch format, refreshed color palette, and release before the end of the year – is based on reporting from Bloomberg and other sources rather than an announcement from Apple.
Until the new model is unveiled, specifications for the current iMac with M4 are available on Apple’s official website.
