The Apple M5 SoC lineup will consist of multiple chips, including the M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra. They will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced N3P process, which entered the testing phase earlier this year. The M5 and M5 Pro/Max are expected to begin production in the first half of 2025 and the second half of 2025, respectively, while the Ultra version is slated for mass production in 2026.
Apple analyst and industry insider, Ming-Chi Kuo, has revealed a series of new details regarding Cupertino’s upcoming M5 processors. These new chips are expected to power many next-generation products, including the MacBook, iPad, and more.
Kuo also stated that Apple M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra will utilize server-grade 2.5D packaging technology called SoIC-mH (System-on-Integrated-Chips Molding Horizontal), featuring distinct designs for the CPU and GPU to increase manufacturing efficiency and improve thermal management. Apple is set to become TSMC’s largest customer in the SoIC field, though other major chip designers such as AMD, AWS (Amazon), and Qualcomm are also expected to adopt this new technology for their next-generation processors.
The M5 product line is expected to deliver higher performance compared to the M4 chips, even though it will still utilize the 3nm process instead of upgrading to the 2nm node. Additionally, they are rumored to be more energy-efficient than previous versions, meaning users can expect better battery life alongside faster performance.
Rumors suggest that the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad Pro OLED will be equipped with M5 chips between Spring 2025 and the first half of 2026, though it remains unclear whether the next-generation Mac mini will be upgraded with the new chip. Devices featuring the flagship M5 Ultra chip are expected to hit the market in the second half of 2026.
Apple released new MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models using M4 chips earlier this year, while the next-generation MacBook Air is expected to launch next spring. The Mac Studio and Mac Pro equipped with the M4 Ultra chip are expected to be introduced in late 2025. The company is also rumored to upgrade its AI servers to M4 chips within the next year. Currently, they are using M2 Ultra chips.
