
Apple has finally addressed the long-standing demand for cellular connectivity in its MacBook lineup. Recent leaked information indicates that an upcoming MacBook Pro will be equipped with a 5G modem. Notably, however, it appears that only a single chipset is currently in development, which raises the possibility that this baseband-powered model may be exclusive to just one variant within the lineup. Let’s dive deeper into the details of this recent leak.
Exploring the New M5 Pro Chipset: Will the 5G MacBook Pro be Limited?
After the introduction of 5G connectivity in all iPad models, it was only a matter of time before the MacBook Pro followed suit. According to reports from Macworld, which previously identified the presence of the M4 Ultra chip, Apple is now not only developing a 5G modem specifically for the MacBook Pro but is also working on the M5 Pro chipset, codenamed ‘t6050.’ This latest leak is intriguing because it mentions only the M5 Pro, omitting references to the base M5 or M5 Max, suggesting that the 5G modem might be reserved solely for the M5 Pro.
However, it’s essential to consider the possibility that the appearance of the M5 Pro in the leak is coincidental and not indicative of any formal link to the 5G MacBook Pro. The report has identified ‘Centuari’—the codename for the C1 baseband chip—as the likely integrated chip for this model, which is currently utilized in the iPhone 16e. While it may be disappointing that an older, in-house 5G modem lacking mmWave connectivity could find a place in this advanced laptop, Apple’s rationale behind this decision can be understood.
Firstly, the use of cellular functionality on a MacBook Pro will likely be limited to specific scenarios that do not demand the ultra-fast mmWave networks. The sub-6GHz bands are sufficient for those tasks, ensuring reliable connectivity for everyday usage. Furthermore, while the leaked code points toward a potential 5G MacBook Pro featuring the M5 Pro chipset, there is no guarantee that this specific model will debut with the highlighted hardware. Nevertheless, it does provide valuable insight into Apple’s strategic direction.
For those interested in following this development, more details can be found from Macworld.
Additionally, for further images and insights, check out the coverage at Wccftech.
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