Mark Gurman, in his recent Power On newsletter, indicates that Apple is poised to release at least two devices powered by its forthcoming M5 chip before the year’s end. The M5-equipped iPad Pro has reportedly reached advanced testing phases, suggesting it is “on track for production in the second half of this year.”
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Concurrently, the M5 MacBook Pro is anticipated to debut in the fall, aligning with Apple’s established release patterns for its professional laptops. Online reports suggest that the M5 chip will bring notable performance enhancements, particularly in graphics processing and AI-related tasks, building upon the architectural improvements seen in prior M-series chips.
However, the 2024 iPad Pro generation is unlikely to feature Apple’s proprietary cellular modem. Gurman’s report indicates that this integration is projected for 2027, coinciding with the launch of M6-powered models, for which Apple has already commenced “early” development. This timeline reflects Apple’s cautious approach to integrating its in-house modem technology.
Apple’s initial foray into cellular modem development, the C1, was introduced with the iPhone 16e in February of this year. Initial feedback and performance tests have been generally positive, indicating a promising start for Apple’s cellular hardware division. Industry analysts note that Apple’s strategy involves a gradual transition, ensuring robust performance and reliability before widespread integration in its iPad and Mac lines.
The delay in modem integration in the M5 devices also suggests that Apple is prioritizing refining the technology before broader deployment, likely aiming for optimal performance and efficiency when it finally integrates into its pro devices. Reports also suggest that the M6 chip will be a significant leap forward in processing power, thus the modem integration is likely timed to maximize that chips potential.
