Apple is preparing its first MacBook Pro with 5G built-in. Internal Apple code seen by Macworld shows the company testing an unreleased MacBook Pro powered by the new M5 Pro chip and Apple’s own 5G modem. This is the first solid proof that a Mac with cellular connectivity is coming, something users have waited years for.
The same code also revealed a new Mac Pro with the M4 Ultra, but the 5G MacBook Pro is the most notable find. If released, it will be the first Mac laptop with built-in cellular support, a feature long available on iPads and some Windows ultrabooks.
Apple’s First MacBook Pro With 5G: What the Code Reveals
The leaked internal code lists a Mac device codenamed t6050, connected to the upcoming M5 Pro processor. More important, the device is also linked to Apple’s “Centauri” chip, which is the company’s first 5G modem (also called C1). This modem debuted earlier this year in the iPhone 16e.
With this discovery, it is clear Apple is testing how its new 5G modem integrates with Mac hardware. The move shows Apple’s plan to unify connectivity across iPhone, iPad, and Mac by using its own modem instead of Qualcomm.
Why Apple Avoided 5G on Mac Until Now
Many Windows laptops already have 4G or 5G options, but Apple held back for years. Reports suggested the main issues were battery life and design limits. Cellular chips require space for antennas and extra power, which could reduce battery performance in laptops.
Now, with Apple fully in control of both the CPU and the modem, these problems can be solved. The Centauri 5G chip is designed to work closely with Apple Silicon, making it more efficient and less demanding on battery. That means users could finally see all-day battery life even while on 5G networks.
When Could the First 5G MacBook Arrive?
The appearance of 5G code does not confirm an immediate launch. Apple often tests hardware years before release.
- Bloomberg previously reported that cellular MacBooks are unlikely before 2026.
- Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also said that the first M5 Macs will not arrive this year.
That means 2026 is the most realistic timeframe for the first 5G-enabled MacBook Pro. Still, the code discovery shows Apple is closer to rollout than many expected.
What 5G MacBooks Would Mean for Users
If Apple launches a MacBook Pro with 5G, the impact could be huge for professionals, students, and travelers. Key benefits include:
- Always connected internet without relying on Wi-Fi.
- No need for hotspots or tethering from iPhone.
- Better productivity for remote work, flights, or public areas.
- Business adoption where companies can deploy laptops with direct carrier data plans.
The experience would be similar to iPad users who already buy Wi-Fi + Cellular models, but now extended to the Mac ecosystem.
Pricing and Carrier Support
Apple typically charges about $150 extra for iPads with 5G compared to Wi-Fi models. A similar approach is likely for MacBooks. Carriers could also offer laptop data bundles, just like they do for tablets.
This may add cost, but for users who need connectivity everywhere, the 5G premium could be worth it.
Software Adjustments for macOS
To support 5G, macOS would need updates for:
- eSIM management
- Carrier switching
- Data usage controls
Apple already handles this in iOS and iPadOS, so it should be straightforward. Still, it will be the first time Mac users manage cellular settings natively on their laptops.
Apple’s Bigger Strategy With 5G
Apple releasing a 5G MacBook Pro would mark more than just a feature upgrade. It signals:
- Control over modem technology (no longer tied to Qualcomm).
- Unified ecosystem across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Push toward wireless-first future, where Wi-Fi is optional.
If successful, Apple could later bring 5G to MacBook Air and even desktop Macs with optional cellular.
Conclusion: 5G MacBook Pro Is Coming
The discovery of 5G code in Apple’s systems confirms the company is actively testing a MacBook Pro with M5 Pro chip and its Centauri 5G modem. While launch timing points to 2026 or later, this is the strongest proof yet that Apple is finally ready to bring built in cellular to the Mac.
For users, it could mean a future where a MacBook connects to the internet instantly anywhere, just like an iPhone. After years of waiting, the Mac may finally go fully mobile.
