Apple Begins Mass Production of M5 Chipset for Upcoming iPad Pro, New Mixed-Reality Headset, and Updated MacBook Pro Models

Apple’s M4 chipset family is still shrouded in anticipation, with the M4 Ultra and possibly an even more advanced model expected to launch later this year. Recent developments indicate that Apple has initiated the mass production of its next-generation silicon, the M5 chip. This marks a significant advancement in technology, with the M5 anticipated to appear across various product lines, including the successor to the Apple Vision Pro.

Upcoming iPad Pro Equipped with M5 Chip

A new report highlights that the updated iPad Pro family will be the first to feature the M5 chip. This is part of Apple’s strategy to adopt enhanced manufacturing processes. The M4 chip was produced using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, known as ‘N3E.’ However, according to information shared by 9to5Mac and reported by ETNews, the M5 will utilize an improved 3nm N3P architecture. This upgrade is expected to yield efficiency enhancements of up to 10% and a 5% performance increase.

Enhanced Neural Engine and Chip Packaging Technology

Alongside the enhanced lithography, it’s rumored that the M5 will feature a significantly upgraded Neural Engine. This improvement may facilitate support for sophisticated on-device generative AI functionalities, signifying a leap in Apple’s technology capabilities.

Initial reports suggest that the updated iPad Pro series will be the premier recipient of the M5 chip, with a potential launch window stretching from late 2025 to the first half of 2026. The insights shared by the Korean media reinforce the notion that Apple is prioritizing its tablet lineup. Interestingly, the M5 could also be the first System on Chip (SoC) from Apple to integrate TSMC’s Small Outline Integrated Circuit Packaging, a technique that enhances electrical performance through a three-dimensional design.

Advantages of Small Outline Integrated Circuit Packaging

This innovation supports chip stacking, which not only improves thermal management and reduces current leakage but also enhances overall performance compared to traditional 2D designs. Given that the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are expected to maintain their sleek design, adopting this new packaging technology for the M5 could yield benefits in terms of device efficiency and performance.

Additionally, the new M5 silicon is rumored to be incorporated in the upcoming second-generation Apple Vision Pro and refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. If all goes according to plan, this hardware could be released later this year, and we will keep our audience informed of the latest updates. Stay tuned for more exciting news!

News Source: ETNews

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