Apple could be on the verge of a revolution in its Mac product line with built-in cellular connectivity, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The technology company is investigating the inclusion of a 5G modem chip into future Mac models, a step that would break with tradition by not relying on Wi-Fi or hotspots for connectivity. While this will revolutionize the Mac experience, its arrival is expected no sooner than 2026.
Apple’s custom 5G modem chip: The foundation for change
The road to cellular connectivity in Macs starts with Apple’s long-awaited 5G modem chip, which is reportedly coming in 2025. This custom-designed chip will first appear in the iPhone SE, low-end iPad, and the new iPhone 17 “Air.” Apple will test these devices to determine the reliability and performance of the chip before introducing it to flagship devices. Over the next three years, it will gradually spread to all kinds of iPhones and iPads, maybe it will reach Macs too.
It will first feature a sub-6GHz 5G variant that offers powerful connectivity for the majority of usage scenarios, then an even more advanced variant incorporating the power of mmWave, and lastly an even faster chip that bests Qualcomm and further offers AI abilities. Apple would completely eliminate Qualcomm, fully owning hardware.
Why cellular Macs could be a game-changer
There will be immense productivity and convenience implications from adding 5G connectivity to Macs. Since there would now be a modem inside, they’d be able to access their cellular network while on the go and thus eliminate any tethers or searches for the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots. Such seamless connectivity benefits remote workers, frequent travelers, and professionals alike.
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A long time coming
Cellular Mac is not a new idea. By 2008, the company had already contemplated mounting a modem chip to their MacBook Air. The issue was then-CEO Steve Jobs thought that would create constraints in hardware space, thus carrier lock-ins, at least from his viewpoint. All is well today with technology that’s much faster and can easily counter such dilemmas.
Integration with Apple silicon
According to Apple’s strategy, modem chips will be integrated into its Apple silicon processors directly. Although previous rumors were pointing toward 2028, according to Gurman, it could be sooner. Integration in such a way will improve design, reduce energy usage, and increase overall performance.
The future of connectivity
Apple’s successful integration of 5G to Mac will slowly blur the distinctions between mobile and desktop computing. This will resonate well with Apple’s vision in creating a holistic system of more seamlessly connected devices. More importantly, it shows that Apple refuses to lose its grip on critical components of its devices.