Apple M6 VS Apple M5 Ultra
We are comparing the Apple M6 (Apple) with the Apple M5 Ultra (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.
Overall Comparison
KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M6 AND Apple M5 Ultra
Here’s how Apple M6 and Apple M5 Ultra stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.
Reasons to consider the Apple M6
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33% smaller manufacturing process (2 nm vs 3 nm)
Reasons to consider the Apple M5 Ultra
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200% more CPU threads (36 vs 12)
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200% more CPU cores (36 vs 12)
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500% more performance-core threads (36 vs 6)
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500% more performance cores (36 vs 6)
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623% more memory bandwidth (1228.8 GB/s vs 170 GB/s)
SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M6 AND Apple M5 Ultra
Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M6 and Apple M5 Ultra.
Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.
If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.
| Specification | Apple M6 | Apple M5 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
|
General Information
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| CPU Name: | Apple M6 | Apple M5 Ultra |
| Vendor: | Apple | Apple |
| Release Date: | August 25, 2026 | August 25, 2026 |
| Generation: | M6 | M5 |
| Type: | Desktop | Desktop |
| Instruction Set: | ARM64 | ARM64 |
| Codename: | — | Apple M5 |
| Foundry: | TSMC | TSMC |
|
Package and Thermals
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| Manufacturing Process: | 2 nm | 3 nm |
| Socket: | Apple M-Socket | Apple M-Socket |
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CPU Cores
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Total Cores
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| Total Cores | 12 | 36 |
| Total Threads | 12 | 36 |
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P-Cores
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| P-Cores | 6 | 36 |
| P-Threads | 6 | 36 |
|
E-Cores
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| E-Cores | 6 | — |
| E-Threads | 6 | — |
|
NPU
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| NPU |
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Cache and Bus
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| Multiplier | Locked | Locked |
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Memory Support
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| Memory Types: | Unified Memory | - LPDDR5X-9600 |
| Max Memory Size: | 32 GB | 512 GB |
| Memory Channels: | — | 64 |
| Max Memory Bandwidth: | 170 GB/s | 1.2 TB/s |
| ECC Support: |
|
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| Technologies: | 2 Super Cores, 4 Performance Cores, 6 Efficiency Cores, Dual 16-core Neural Engine, Neural Accelerators | 12 Super Cores, 24 Performance Cores, Quad-Die Architecture, Next-Generation UltraFusion, 80-Core GPU, Neural Accelerators, 32-Core Neural Engine, Second-Generation Dynamic Caching, Hardware-Accelerated Mesh Shading, Third-Generation Ray Tracing, Hardware-Accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW and AV1 Decode, Thunderbolt 5, RDMA |
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Benchmarks
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Geekbench V6
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| Multi-Core | — | 42327 |
|
Cinebench 2024
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| Multi-Core | — | 3905 |
| Single-Core | — | 226 |
Tip: ▲ indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while ▼ indicates a lower-is-better advantage.
PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M6 AND Apple M5 Ultra
The charts below visualize how Apple M6 and Apple M5 Ultra stack up in key performance metrics.
Performance Radar Chart
Performance Benchmarks
Value For Money Calculator
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Domain Score Summary
Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Apple M5 Ultra dominates overall compared to the Apple M6. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Apple M6 vs Apple M5 Ultra
Apple M6 has 12 CPU cores, while Apple M5 Ultra has 36 CPU cores. Apple M6 has 12 CPU threads, while Apple M5 Ultra has 36 CPU threads.
Both list Apple M-Socket for socket.
Apple M6 lists Unified Memory for memory types, while Apple M5 Ultra lists - LPDDR5X-9600 for memory types. Apple M6 lists 32 GB for maximum memory capacity, while Apple M5 Ultra lists 512 GB for maximum memory capacity.
Both Apple M6 and Apple M5 Ultra have integrated graphics.
Apple M6 was released on August 25, 2026. Apple M5 Ultra was released on August 25, 2026.
Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.