Apple Reportedly Working on M5 MacBook Pro with Built-In 5G
A new report, based on internal Apple code, suggests the company is actively testing an M5 MacBook Pro with a built-in 5G cellular modem. This development, if confirmed, would mark a significant first for the Mac lineup, granting users the ability to connect to the internet without relying on Wi-Fi or a hotspot.
The information comes from a report by MacWorld, which details a leak pointing to a next-generation M5 Pro chip powering the new MacBook. Even more notably, the code reveals the presence of Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, codenamed “Centauri” or “C1.” This is the same modem that Apple introduced earlier this year in the iPhone 16e, indicating the company has developed a power-efficient solution suitable for its laptops.
This move aligns with Apple’s long-standing strategy of controlling both the hardware and software in its products. By developing its own 5G modem, the company can create a more seamless and optimised user experience than would be possible with third-party components.
While the leak points to the M5 MacBook Pro, which is rumoured to launch in early 2026, the feature is not a guaranteed addition to the final product. However, this is the strongest indication yet that a truly untethered MacBook is on the horizon, offering professionals and everyday users new levels of freedom and flexibility. It is also speculated that the cellular feature could eventually expand to the M5 MacBook Air lineup.
