 "Apple begins production of M5 silicon chip, new iPad, Macs on the horizon")
Apple has reportedly kicked off mass production of its next-gen M5 silicon chip, setting the stage for a fresh wave of devices in the second half of 2025. The new chip is expected to power upcoming iPads, MacBook models, and potentially the next version of the Vision Pro. According to a South Korean report, Apple is partnering with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to fabricate the M5 chip using its advanced 3nm process technology.
This move follows the October 2024 release of MacBook Pro models featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chipsets. Industry insiders suggest that Apple could unveil the first M5-powered device, likely the new iPad Pro, within the coming months.
Mass production underway with global partners
The report from ET News reveals that TSMC has begun manufacturing the base M5 chip, with packaging starting last month. Apple is collaborating with multiple semiconductor assembly and testing companies for this phase, including ASE in Taiwan, Amkor in the US, and JCET in China. These partners are responsible for ensuring the chips are ready for integration into Apple’s devices.
In addition to the base M5 chip, Apple plans to produce more advanced versions, including the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra. To support the high demand for these chips, the OSAT companies are said to be expanding their facilities, preparing for large-scale production of the premium processors.
Improved performance and power efficiency
The M5 chip is set to deliver modest but significant improvements in both performance and power efficiency. Built on TSMC’s refined N3P 3nm process, the chip is expected to offer a 5 per cent boost in overall performance and up to a 10 per cent increase in energy efficiency. These upgrades will benefit devices in terms of speed, multitasking, and battery life.
Apple is reportedly focusing on enhancing AI capabilities with its M5 generation processors. The higher-end M5 Pro chip could incorporate TSMC’s System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology, which is designed to improve heat management and performance under heavy workloads.
What to expect from Apple’s 2025 lineup
The upcoming iPad Pro is widely expected to debut with the M5 chip, positioning it as one of the most powerful tablets on the market. In addition, a new version of Apple’s Vision Pro is rumoured to include the same processor, further boosting its capabilities in augmented reality and virtual reality applications.
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models equipped with the M5 series chips could also make their debut later this year or in early 2025. With Apple’s continuous focus on custom silicon development, the M5 chip is expected to solidify the company’s dominance in high-performance, power-efficient computing across its entire product range.
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