Apple’s Next-Gen Laptop Chips M7 M5 Ultra and Future 2026 2028 Plans

Apple skips M6 chips entirely in MacBook Ultra lineup, accelerating shift to AI-focused M7 architecture

Apple has confirmed plans to bypass its M6 chip generation entirely in the MacBook Ultra lineup, according to multiple industry reports, marking a significant departure from its traditional annual chip refresh cycle. Sources close to Apple’s hardware development, cited by heise online and techbook, state that the company is instead advancing directly to the M7 chip family—designed with AI acceleration in mind—while also preparing a high-end M5 Ultra variant for the Mac Studio in 2026, with an M7 Ultra version slated for 2028.

The decision to skip M6 follows Apple’s internal push to prioritize AI capabilities in its silicon roadmap, with the M7 chips expected to integrate next-generation neural engine architectures. BILD reports that Apple engineers have been testing M7 prototypes in select MacBook Ultra units, though mass production remains tied to finalizing AI performance benchmarks. Meanwhile, the company is simultaneously addressing supply chain constraints by expanding RAM options in the Mac Studio, with ComputerBase confirming test configurations offering up to 768GB of memory—a capacity that exceeds current industry standards.

Why is Apple skipping M6 in MacBook Ultra?

Industry analysts attribute the M6 omission to Apple’s strategic realignment toward AI-driven hardware. According to Mac Life, internal documents reviewed by the outlet indicate that Apple’s chip division has consolidated resources into the M7 family, viewing it as a critical upgrade for machine learning workloads. The M7’s architecture, which includes dedicated AI cores, aligns with Apple’s broader push to compete with NVIDIA and AMD in the AI inference market—a shift that began with the 2023 release of the M1 Ultra and has accelerated with partnerships like those announced at WWDC 2024.

Sources familiar with Apple’s supply chain, speaking to heise online, note that the M6 chips were never fully developed for the MacBook Ultra line, instead being repurposed for lower-tier MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. This aligns with a pattern observed in Apple’s chip roadmap, where high-end products often receive dedicated architectures while mid-range devices adopt older generations.

What does this mean for MacBook Ultra buyers in 2025?

Current MacBook Ultra models, which still rely on M1 or M2 chips depending on the configuration, will not see an M6 upgrade. Instead, buyers can expect the next major refresh—likely in late 2025—to introduce M7-based systems, according to techbook. The delay introduces uncertainty for professionals relying on cutting-edge performance, particularly in fields like video editing and scientific computing, where Apple’s custom silicon has historically offered advantages over Intel and AMD alternatives.

However, the shift may benefit long-term users. The M7’s AI optimizations could redefine productivity workflows, with features like on-device natural language processing and real-time video analysis becoming more accessible. ComputerBase reports that early benchmarks suggest the M7 may outperform the M2 Ultra in AI-specific tasks by up to 40%, though general computing performance gains are expected to be more modest.

How does this compare to Apple’s Mac Studio roadmap?

While the MacBook Ultra skips M6 entirely, Apple’s Mac Studio lineup is taking a different approach. Mac Life reveals that the company is preparing two distinct Ultra variants: an M5 Ultra model for 2026 and an M7 Ultra version slated for 2028. The M5 Ultra, which will feature up to 768GB of RAM—a capacity that addresses current memory shortages in the semiconductor industry—will serve as a transitional product before the full AI-focused M7 Ultra arrives.

This bifurcated strategy reflects Apple’s dual priorities: maintaining high-performance computing capabilities in the short term while laying the groundwork for AI-driven innovation. The M5 Ultra’s expanded RAM options, tested by ComputerBase, suggest Apple is also hedging against potential supply chain disruptions, ensuring its professional-grade machines remain competitive even as global memory prices fluctuate.

What’s next for Apple’s chip roadmap?

Apple’s decision to skip M6 underscores a broader industry trend: the acceleration of AI-specific hardware development. Competitors like NVIDIA and AMD have already integrated AI cores into their latest GPUs, and Intel’s upcoming Meteor Lake chips are expected to follow suit. Apple’s move positions the M7 as a direct response to these advancements, though the company has yet to disclose pricing or availability for the new architecture.

Industry observers, including those cited by BILD, suggest that Apple may also introduce mid-range M7 chips for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lines in 2025, creating a more cohesive ecosystem. However, the company has not confirmed whether the M7 will support the same level of RAM expansion as the M1 and M2 series, a detail that could influence purchasing decisions for power users.

For now, Apple’s hardware roadmap remains focused on two key timelines: the M7-based MacBook Ultra refresh in late 2025 and the M5 Ultra Mac Studio launch in 2026. The absence of M6 in the Ultra lineup signals a deliberate pivot—one that prioritizes AI over incremental performance gains. Whether this strategy pays off will depend on how quickly Apple can deliver on its AI promises without alienating users who rely on raw computing power.