Is the M6 a big step up from the M5?

Apple's M-series gains have been incremental between generations. The M6 improves on the M5 mainly in CPU and GPU performance and efficiency, so owners of an M5 model have little reason to switch, while those on older Intel or M1 machines will notice a large jump.

Can I upgrade the memory or storage later?

No. The unified memory and SSD are soldered to the logic board, so choose 16GB and 1TB at purchase. If you regularly work with large video timelines or virtual machines, consider a higher memory configuration.

What comes in the box?

The laptop, a 70W USB-C Power Adapter and a USB-C charging cable. It does not include an external display, mouse or software beyond what is preinstalled.

Does it run Windows apps?

Not natively. You can run Windows on Apple silicon through virtualization software, but some apps and games need ARM-compatible versions or emulation, which can be slower.

Is the 14-inch screen big enough for editing?

The 14-inch XDR display is sharp and color-accurate, and many editors use it as their only screen. For multi-window timelines, an external monitor over Thunderbolt or HDMI is a common addition.

How does it compare with the 16-inch MacBook Pro?

The 16-inch model offers a larger screen, more cooling headroom and longer battery life, but it is heavier. The 14-inch is easier to carry and still handles most pro workloads well.