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Apple is finally bringing a design change to the M6 MacBook Pro series later this year, with the new portable Macs expected to feature a slimmer design, a redesigned hinge that’ll accommodate touchscreen capabilities, and an OLED that’s expected to outshine mini-LED technology. However, one upgrade mentioned in the latest report might not just force customers to flock to the newer models, but there’s a chance that iPad sales can suffer because of this.
Cellular connectivity on the redesigned M6 MacBook Pro could reduce iPad sales momentum, as Apple is planning 5G modems on its upcoming machines
Baseband chips on iPads have existed for as long as we can remember, but irrespective of the level of tweaks Apple brings to iPadOS 27, the company will never transform it into a superior option for everyday productivity compared to macOS. This is why bringing cellular connectivity for Macs will be a game-changer, and according to United Daily News, this upgrade could arrive later this year.
The report mentions that Foxconn and Quanta are two of Apple’s suppliers who stand to benefit the most from the M6 MacBook Pro’s inception, but as far as details surrounding the 5G modems go, that information is limited, apart from a vapor chamber being mentioned. However, since the technology giant introduced the C1 in the iPhone 16e, followed by the C1X in the iPhone Air, there’s a chance the M6 MacBook Pro will ship with the latest iteration.
Given that Qualcomm not only charges Apple a premium for its 5G modems but also requires royalty payments for licensing this technology, it made little sense to bring these pricey components to the MacBook Pro family, which were already targeting that upper pricing category. With the California-based titan finally bringing the C2 5G modem to the iPhone 18, it’s in an excellent position to introduce a crucial selling point to the M6 MacBook Pro models.
Like its iPads, Apple will most probably charge a premium to have cellular connectivity enabled on the new machines, with the underlying technology being eSIM. What’s interesting to see is that chipsets like the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and Snapdragon X2 Elite already support 5G connectivity, but Qualcomm’s partners haven’t introduced this feature, likely due to cost barriers.
Perhaps with the introduction of cellular connectivity on the M6 MacBook Pro, we could witness wider adoption from the competition. The only question that remains is whether Apple will bring 5G modems to the base model. From our previous report, only the M6 Pro and M6 Max models will be treated to a redesign and display upgrade, while the base model will stick to the older chassis and mini-LED technology. Let us keep our fingers crossed for more updates.
News Source: United Daily News
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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