Apple is kicking off a new product cycle, which could mark the last major product offensive under Tim Cook's leadership.

On August 25, Apple introduced the new Mac mini powered by the M6 or M5 Pro chip, alongside the upgraded Mac Studio featuring the M5 Ultra or M5 Max processor. Both devices are set for pre-order starting August 27, with an official release scheduled for September 22.

The M6 is Apple's first chip built on a 2-nanometer process, while the M5 Ultra is positioned for professional-grade high-performance computing. As AI applications shift from the cloud to edge devices, the Mac mini has drawn market attention for its compact size and robust computing power, and this upgrade is expected to further enhance its on-device AI capabilities. However, memory chip supply constraints have previously limited Apple's ability to replenish Mac inventory quickly.

More notably, this Mac refresh is just the beginning. Apple is expected to hold its most critical iPhone launch of the year in September, with the first foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18 series potentially debuting, alongside updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods. The company is also advancing a screen-equipped smart home device, a new Apple TV, a refreshed HomePod mini, and an OLED version of the iPad mini.

From 2nm Chips to Foldable Screens, Apple Bets on Next-Gen Hardware

The highlight of the M6 upgrade isn't just the more advanced manufacturing process; it's Apple's continued push to bring AI capabilities directly onto devices.

The M6 uses a 2nm process, featuring a 12-core CPU with 2 super cores, 4 performance cores, and 6 efficiency cores. The GPU has been upgraded from 10 cores in the M5 to 12 cores, with neural accelerators added to each GPU core, paired with a dual 16-core Neural Engine and support for up to 32GB of unified memory. Apple claims the M6 delivers the world's fastest single-threaded performance, with multi-threaded performance up to 1.2 times faster than the M5.

Unlike the M6, which targets mainstream Macs, the M5 Ultra is aimed at professional scenarios such as 3D rendering, AI model training, and inference. Using UltraFusion interconnect technology, the chip combines two dual-die M5 Max packages into a quad-die architecture, offering up to a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and 32-core Neural Engine, with unified memory reaching up to 512GB.

These two chips reflect Apple's dual strategy for future Mac products: leveraging more advanced processes to boost energy efficiency and on-device AI performance, while also expanding into the high-performance computing market.

Rapid Product Rollout, Apple's Roadmap Enters a Transition Phase

The Mac mini and Mac Studio updates are merely a prelude; Apple's real product highlights are still ahead.

September's iPhone event is expected to be the year's most anticipated product milestone. In addition to the iPhone 18 Pro series, Apple may unveil its first foldable iPhone, marking a major shift in form factor not seen in years. Meanwhile, new Apple Watch and AirPods models are also on the update list, with the entry-level AirPods 5 potentially debuting earlier, while camera-equipped AirPods may be delayed until next year.

Apple is also revitalizing its smart home lineup. The company plans to introduce its first screen-equipped smart home device with facial recognition for personalized content per user, and a new Apple TV and HomePod mini are also expected. On the iPad front, an OLED version of the iPad mini is anticipated to launch before the end of October.

The Mac lineup won't slow down either. Apple plans to release new iMac colorways and an entry-level MacBook Pro with the M6 chip, but the bigger change will be a touchscreen MacBook Pro. Reports suggest the new model will feature a redesigned chassis, available in 14-inch and 16-inch versions with OLED displays.

Cook's Final Act, Apple Pins Hopes on 2027 Redesign

Behind this wave of rapid product updates is Apple's impending leadership transition.

Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, with John Ternus taking over. Compared to the relatively mature product roadmap of Cook's later tenure, Ternus will face the challenge of bringing more new-form-factor products to market, with the foldable iPhone being a key focal point.

Apple's product planning even extends to 2027. By then, the company is expected to refresh the entry-level iPad, iPad Air, MacBook Air, and MacBook Neo, and release new MacBook Air models with M7-series chips, a second-generation touchscreen MacBook, and a second-generation foldable iPhone.

Among these, the most symbolic could be a special-edition iPhone with curved glass design, created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.

From 2nm chips and on-device AI to the foldable iPhone and touchscreen MacBook, Apple is simultaneously driving transformations in both underlying silicon and device form factors. For Ternus, who is about to succeed Cook, whether this product roadmap can truly unlock new growth will be the first major test of his leadership.