Will the M5 MacBook Pro Feature Apple’s C1 5G Modem?

[Neil J. Squillante]

The most important feature by far in today’s iPhone 16E is Apple’s first party 5G modem. This paves the way for the M5 MacBook Pro to possibly include a built-in cellular option for the first time — a long overdue feature. Will this change your purchase plans for the M4 MacBook Pro?

 

[smirking]

The most important feature by far in today’s iPhone 16E is Apple’s first party 5G modem. This paves the way for the M5 MacBook Pro to possibly include a built-in cellular option for the first time — a long overdue feature. Will this change your purchase plans for the M4 MacBook Pro?

I already have an M4 MBP, but if I didn't, it wouldn't change a thing because it's not that hard to use my iPhone as a hotspot. Besides, I never have a good signal when I really need one so what's the point in having a fancy modem when there's no signal to use it with?

 

[vanc]

The most important feature by far in today’s iPhone 16E is Apple’s first party 5G modem. This paves the way for the M5 MacBook Pro to possibly include a built-in cellular option for the first time — a long overdue feature. Will this change your purchase plans for the M4 MacBook Pro?

That might be a really niche market. I doubt Apple would go that way. It would increase the number of SKUs which Apple is actually reducing (less combinations of CPU/RAM/SSD variants).

 

[Neil J. Squillante]

That might be a really niche market. I doubt Apple would go that way. It would increase the number of SKUs which Apple is actually reducing (less combinations of CPU/RAM/SSD variants).

Given that Apple has offered cellular iPads since day one, I think many would opt for it as it's much more convenient than tethering. It would add only one more option to the configuration page in the store (just as nano-texture did last year). Yes it would add more SKUs but most MacBook Pro configurations are built to order. Apple doesn't keep every SKU in warehouses. However, according to Mark Gurman, it may not become a reality until 2026. This makes sense as the MacBook Pro will likely get a new design next year.

 

[svish]

I would personally love to have cellular connectivity option. Have been waiting for a long time for this. Hopefully it will happen

 

[PotentPeas]

There have been recent rumors about this; not likely before 2026.

Bloomberg: Apple 'investigating' bringing cellular to the Mac for the first time - 9to5Mac

Earlier today, Bloomberg detailed Apple’s multi-year plan to ditch Qualcomm and debut its own modem technology in the iPhone and...

9to5mac.com