Key Takeaways
1. The M5 SoC for MacBook Pros is now expected to be released in 2026, contrary to earlier rumors of a 2023 launch.
2. The A20 Pro SoC for the iPhone 18 Pro series will transition to a new manufacturing process that may reduce costs and improve efficiency.
3. Confusion exists around Apple’s upgrade cycles, with M-series chips not following the same timeline as A-series chips.
4. The M4 MacBook Pro remains a viable option for those needing a new laptop soon, as the M5 models likely won’t offer significant upgrades.
5. The M2 Pro and Max chips had a 15-month gap from their predecessors, while the M3 Pro and Max were released just 9 months later, indicating inconsistent release patterns for M-series chips.
There is no doubt that many Mac users are eagerly waiting for the M5 SoC, which is anticipated to be released in the last quarter of this year. However, while earlier rumors suggested that the MacBook Pro would get the M5 upgrade this year, a new update from a trusted source suggests otherwise.
Changes in Chip Technology
In his latest newsletter, Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the A20 Pro SoC, expected in the iPhone 18 Pro series, will move from TSMC’s InFO (Integrated Fan-Out) to WMCM (Wafer Multi-Chip Module). This change will incorporate the underfill and molding processes, which could help reduce material costs and streamline “process steps” to enhance yields. Kuo also pointed out that the M5 chips are not likely to make the transition to WMCM and will instead be used in the “2026” MacBook Pros.
Implications for MacBook Pro Release
Kuo’s reference to the upcoming MacBook Pro models as 2026 versions likely signifies that he believes these products won’t launch this year. Mark Gurman previously indicated that MacBook Pros equipped with M5 chipsets would debut by the end of this year, though he mentioned last month that Apple was “considering” delaying the laptops to early 2026.
Confusion Surrounding Upgrade Cycles
As always, Apple’s upgrade timeline for MacBooks is puzzling. The M2 Pro and Max versions arrived 15 months after the M1 Pro and Max, while the M3 Pro and Max were released just 9 months following their predecessors. The high-end M4 SoCs reverted to a 12-month cycle, and it now seems that the high-end M5 chips will surpass that 12-month timeframe once again. Given Apple’s strict adherence to a 12-month cycle for A-series SoCs, it raises questions why the M-series chips are treated any differently.
For those who urgently need a new laptop, it may not be a big loss to purchase an M4 MacBook Pro instead, as the M5 MacBook Pros are unlikely to have significant design or external upgrades. The M4 MacBook Pro is currently priced at $1,299 on Amazon.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply