Apple is expected to introduce its next-generation M5 chip in the MacBook Pro before rolling it out to the iPad Pro, marking a departure from previous Apple Silicon launch patterns. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the M5-powered MacBook Pro could arrive in late 2025, with the iPad Pro following in the first half of 2026. The decision reflects Apple's prioritization of its high-end laptops, which drive higher revenue and cater to professional users demanding increased performance.
Before the arrival of M5, Apple plans to release updated Mac Studio and Mac Pro models featuring the current-generation M4 chip, potentially debuting around the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2025. Apple's M5 series is expected to be manufactured using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) advanced 3-nanometer process technology. While Apple has opted not to transition to TSMC's newer 2nm process due to cost considerations, the M5 chip will integrate System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology, enhancing performance and efficiency through 3D chip stacking.
The M5's architecture is expected to deliver improvements in battery efficiency, GPU performance, and AI-driven capabilities. Industry analysts anticipate that Apple will focus on AI-powered enhancements, boosting on-device machine learning for real-time applications such as image processing and voice recognition. Early references to the M5 chip have surfaced in Apple's code, hinting at its use beyond consumer devices, including within the company's AI server infrastructure to support cloud-based machine learning workloads.
Apple's strategy for the M5 rollout underscores its shifting priorities in the post-pandemic computing landscape. While previous M-series chips were introduced in iPads first, the new approach suggests that Apple is focusing on its most profitable computing segment before extending innovations to its tablet line. The company's growing collaboration with TSMC on chip packaging technologies further positions Apple to maintain its competitive edge in performance and efficiency.
The shift in launch timing may also reflect broader industry trends. Macs continue to be a dominant force in professional creative and enterprise sectors, while iPad sales have experienced slower growth. With Apple's emphasis on desktop-class power in MacBooks, the decision to prioritize the MacBook Pro for the M5 upgrade aligns with consumer demand for more robust computing capabilities in professional workflows.
Despite this change, the iPad Pro remains a critical part of Apple's ecosystem. The upcoming M5-powered iPad Pro is expected to feature a redesigned chassis, potentially incorporating OLED display technology and advanced cooling solutions to support the next-generation chip. While details on the device remain scarce, the delay in the iPad Pro's M5 transition suggests that Apple may be refining its approach to tablet computing to differentiate it further from its Mac lineup.
