Apple tests 5G MacBook Pro for early 2026 release

A report suggests Apple is testing an M5 MacBook Pro with a 5G modem, signaling a potential early 2026 launch.

Apple tests 5G MacBook Pro for early 2026 release

Macworld reports that internal code references an unreleased MacBook Pro powered by the M5 Pro chip and a Centauri 5G modem. The device, codenamed t6050, would mark the first Mac with cellular connectivity. The same code mentions the Centauri modem, known as C1, which Apple introduced earlier this year with the iPhone 16e, suggesting Apple is testing a connected laptop.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has said cellular capability could arrive with a future C2 modem, indicating Apple plans a measured rollout. While the evidence stops short of a confirmation, it aligns with a pattern of feature sharing across Apple devices. If the findings hold, the M5 MacBook Pro could spearhead a broader cellular strategy that might extend to the MacBook Air in time.

Apple pushing cellular to the Mac would reshape how people use laptops on the move. It would tie the device to networks the moment you turn it on, changing expectations for battery life, pricing, and data plans.

This move would place pressure on carriers and retailers to bundle data and devices. For Apple, it could widen the addressable market but raise the bar for reliability and regional compatibility. The real test will be balancing performance and price while keeping the software experience smooth.

Highlights

The next steps will test whether cellular on Macs delivers real everyday value.