Upcoming iPad Pro Featuring M6 Chip Built on TSMC’s 2nm Technology and Apple’s Custom C2 Modem for Superior 5G Connectivity

Apple has officially unveiled the latest edition of the iPad Air, now powered by the advanced M3 chip and featuring several internal enhancements. However, the tech giant has postponed the anticipated upgrade of the iPad Pro, which has raised expectations for a new OLED iPad Pro model equipped with an M5 chip expected to launch later this year. Notably, Apple is also in the initial phases of developing a future iPad Pro that will incorporate the much-anticipated M6 chip alongside a custom-designed 5G modem.

Insights into Apple’s Upcoming M6 iPad Pro and Custom 5G Modem

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple has commenced work on the next-generation iPad Pro featuring the M6 chip. This new device is projected to launch next year, boasting significant performance improvements and the introduction of a new, custom modem that is yet to debut in any devices. This modem is expected to support 5G and is likely to be the brand’s proprietary C2 modem, previously hinted to arrive next year.

This year, the focus remains on unveiling the M5 iPad Pro, anticipated to utilize a 3nm System on a Chip (SoC) manufactured by TSMC, promising enhanced energy efficiency and performance. In contrast, the forthcoming M6 chip for the OLED iPad Pro will be produced using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process technology, which will offer superior graphical performance and processing capabilities compared to its M5 counterpart.

Beyond the M6 chip, the OLED iPad Pro is also set to integrate Apple’s in-house modem, establishing 5G functionalities. Currently, all cellular variants of the iPad utilize Qualcomm modems; thus, this upcoming shift represents a significant leap forward in connectivity. Currently, the C1 modem is featured only on the latest iPhone 16e, while the C2 modem could be the first of its kind to power an iPad Pro model before it becomes commonplace across other devices in the lineup.

Additionally, Gurman mentions that Apple is also working on a refreshed version of the iPad 12, which may feature upgraded components while retaining a similar design to the existing model. Alongside this, there are indications that Apple is in the process of developing an M5 MacBook Air, with a potential launch as early as next year, following the recent announcement of the M4 model. Apple’s M6 iPad Pro is poised to make its debut in the first half of 2027, as the company looks to revert to its traditional spring launch schedule. Stay tuned for more information on these exciting developments!

Source & Images