For years, iPads and many Windows laptops have offered built-in cellular connectivity, while Macs remained excluded from this feature. Now, according to a report based on Apple’s internal code, the company is testing its first MacBook Pro with 5G support.
The new device will be powered by the M5 Pro chip and equipped with Apple’s proprietary C1 5G modem — also known by its codename “Centauri” — first introduced with the iPhone 16e. This marks the first Mac model to feature a fully Apple-designed cellular modem.
Previously, Apple avoided adding cellular support to MacBooks due to concerns about battery life and design compromises. However, with both the processor and modem under its control, Apple is now capable of delivering a seamless and energy-efficient solution, enabling users to enjoy true wireless freedom on their MacBooks.
Although analysts like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that cellular-enabled Macs wouldn’t arrive until later in the decade, recent reports hint that the 5G-powered M5 MacBook Pro could debut much sooner than anticipated.