Unexpected device omission as Apple's M5 chip approaching imminent release
The tech world is abuzz with anticipation as Apple's latest chip, the M5, enters mass production in Taiwan. According to recent reports, the first device to launch with the M5 chip is expected to be the iPad Pro, likely debuting in October 2025. This timing corresponds with the device's typical refresh cycle and reports that the M5 chip has entered mass production and advanced testing stages for the iPad Pro.
In contrast, the MacBook Pro models with the M5 chips (including M5 Pro and M5 Max variants) are now widely expected to launch in early 2026, with a release window between February and May 2026.
Additionally, the Vision Pro 2 headset is also rumored to include the M5 chip and could launch as soon as late 2025, positioning it as another early M5 device alongside the iPad Pro.
Here's a summary of the expected launches:
| Device | Expected Launch | Notes | |------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | iPad Pro (M5) | October 2025 | First M5 chip device, mass production underway | | Vision Pro 2 | Late 2025 | Confirmed to have M5 chip, possible late 2025 launch | | MacBook Pro (M5) | Early 2026 (Feb-May) | M5 Pro/Max chips in 2026 MacBooks, later than iPad Pro |
Apple is reportedly working to keep up with its competitors' AI offerings, such as Microsoft's Copilot+ PC line-up. However, the article does not contain any new information about Apple Intelligence, the on-device AI platform launched at WWDC 2024.
The iPad Pro M5 is expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2025, with mass production sequentially taking place with "USA Amco" and "China JCET". Amkor, a manufacturing partner of Apple, struck a deal with Apple in 2023 to produce chips at a new facility in Arizona, but as of now, the Amkor facility is only completing the packaging part of the chip production process.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the M5 chip launch could occur by the end of 2025. However, no specific release date for the M5 chip has been confirmed for the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.
As Apple moves more of its chip production to the United States due to the looming threat of import tariffs, the M5 chip's launch timeline is later than last year's May M4 launch, but it's possible this rumor is off and Apple is still considering a May launch window for the M5 chip.
- The technology world eagerly awaits the launch of the iPad Pro with the M5 chip, which is anticipated to display improved performance for gaming and other gadgets like smartphones and laptops.
- With the iPad Pro launch anticipated in October 2025, rumors suggest that the Vision Pro 2 headset, also confirmed to have the M5 chip, could be released as early as late 2025.
- While the iPad Pro M5 is expected in October 2025, MacBook Pro models with M5 chips, such as the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants, are predicted to release in early 2026, around February to May.
- As Apple's M5 chip enters mass production in late 2025, it emphasizes the company's commitment to ensuring its technology stays competitive with advancements in artificial intelligence, like Microsoft's Copilot+ PC line-up.
- Despite the anticipated later launch of the M5 chip compared to last year's M4 chip, Apple is reportedly shifting more of its chip production to the United States, demonstrating an effort to avoid import tariffs.
