Not The IPad Pro, But This Product Will Use The M5 Chip First

Apple is expected to bring the latest generation of chips, M5, to the MacBook Pro (photo: x @iphonesoft_fr ·)

JAKARTA - Apple is expected to bring its newest generation M5 chip to the MacBook Pro in the fall of this year, followed by the iPad Pro in the first half of 2026. This is known according to Mark Gurman's Bloomberg report.

Gurman's latest claim reverses previous forecasting sequences of devices that will switch from the M4 chip to the M5, which was based on M4 product launch sequences last year. Apple first introduced an M4 chip in the updated iPad Pro in May 2024, followed by the MacBook Pro in October. However, this time Apple seems to be deflecting from that timeline.

Before releasing the MacBook Pro model with the M5 chip, Gurman mentioned that Apple will launch an update for Mac Studio and Mac Pro using the current generation M4 chip series. The device is likely to be released around Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.

The M5 series is expected to feature an upgraded and reportedly manufactured ARM architecture using TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process technology. Apple's decision not to use TSMC's more sophisticated 2nm process for M5 chips is thought to be due to cost considerations. However, the high-end version of the M5 will still offer a significant improvement over the M4 chip, especially through the adoption of TSMC's System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology.

This 3D chip-tracking approach builds up vertically, which improves thermal management and reduces electrical leakage compared to traditional 2D designs. Apple is rumored to have expanded its cooperation with TSMC on its next-generation SoIC hybrid package, which also combines the thermoplastic carbon fiber composite printing technology.

Apple's M5 chip reference has been found in Apple's official code. According to one report, thanks to its multi-purpose SoIC design, Apple also plans to use the M5 chip in its AI server infrastructure to improve AI capabilities across consumer devices and cloud services.

This move shows Apple's ambition to continue to lead in technological innovation, both on consumer devices and in the field of cloud computing. With the launch of the M5 chip, Apple is expected to strengthen its position in the premium device market and AI infrastructure.