Apple's M5 Chip Enters Mass Production, Set to Boost AI Performance in Next-Gen Devices

Apple's M5 Chip Enters Mass Production, Set To Power Upcoming MacBook Pro, iPad Pro And Vision Pro: Report Apple's M5 Chip Enters Production At Scale, Set To Boost Macbook Pro, IPad Pro, And Vision Pro - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Amkor Tech (NASDAQ:AMKR)

The M5 chip, which is projected to power Apple Inc.'s AAPL upcoming MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro, has reportedly entered mass production. What Happened: The M5 chip is now being produced at scale, with Apple reportedly utilizing new process technology to boost AI performance, according to a report by 9to5Mac. The new chip is anticipated to deliver enhanced AI performance and possibly a redesigned structure compared to earlier M-series chips. The Vision Pro is expected to benefit the most from the M5 chip, especially with the addition of Apple Intelligence features to the spatial computer -- something the current M2-powered model lacks. The new chip is also designed to run at lower temperatures, enabling it to maintain full power for longer durations before thermal throttling takes effect. MacRumors reported that Apple delegates the front-end manufacturing stage of chip production on silicon wafers to Taiwan Semiconductors TSM. With fabrication in progress, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) companies, such as Taiwan's ASE Group, Amkor Technology AMKR from the U.S. and China's JCET manage the packaging process. SEE ALSO: Apple Stock Is Sliding Wednesday: What's Driving The Action? Why It Matters: Despite struggles in AI and AR indicating a potential decline in product innovation, the introduction of the M5 chip could be a game-changer for Apple. The chip is expected to bring significant improvements in AI performance, which has been a challenge for the tech giant. Last year, Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the MacBook Pro could see a major power boost with a new chip packaging process. The M5 Pro chip may take a different approach by separating the CPU and GPU to improve performance and increase production yields. The M5 chip is also expected to leverage the improved 3nm N3P architecture, leading to efficiency improvements by up to 10% and a performance bump of 5%, according to Wccftech. This could help resolve the thermal throttling issue, enabling devices to run at full power for longer periods. With the M5 chip, Apple seems to be prioritizing its tablet family, with the updated iPad Pro series expected to be the first recipient of the new chip. This move could potentially boost the performance and appeal of Apple's tablet lineup. READ MORE: Apple Surprises Users With Starlink Beta, Teams Up With Elon Musk's SpaceX And T-Mobile To Bring Satellite Texting For iPhone Users In iOS 18.3 Image via Shutterstock Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. AAPLApple Inc$231.57-0.39%Overview Rating:Good75%Technicals Analysis1000100Financials Analysis600100WatchlistOverviewAMKRAmkor Technology Inc$25.161.04%TSMTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd$209.290.35%Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Apple's new M5 chip enters mass production: for iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, Vision Pro successor

Apple has kicked off mass production of its next-gen M5 processor, which will power next-generation MacBook Pro laptops, new iPad Pros, and a Vision Pro successor. In a new report from ETNews, we're learning that mass production of Apple's next-gen M5 has begun, with the outlet reporting: "Apple has started mass production of the next-generation semiconductor chip 'M5'. It is a semiconductor installed in Apple's core products such as the Mac series and iPad. It is understood that Apple has introduced new process technology to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) performance". Apple's new M5 chip will be used in 2025 models of the company's new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. We should expect huge improvements in Apple Intelligence, which has been a limped launch to say the least, with 9to5Mac reporting that one of the biggest upgrades to the Vision Pro successor will be the M5 processor (over the M2 chip used in the current Vision Pro). Apple's new Vision Pro powered by the M5 processor should make for a huge upgrade, as the M2-powered Vision Pro isn't AI-capable. The M2 processor isn't fast enough to handle running -- simultaneously -- visionOS processors and Apple Intelligence at the same time, but the new M5 processor inside of the Apple Vision Pro successor won't e a problem. Hardware-wise, the M5-powered Vision Pro will be the same, but the chip inside will open up a new world of possibilities for the company's mixed-reality headset In the M5 family, Apple is expected to unleash the M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra processors. The company is reportedly using TMSC's new N3P process node and server-grade SoIC advanced packaging.

M5 chip enters mass production, ready for MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, Vision Pro

We're expecting to see an M5 chip powering this year's MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro. That chip has now entered mass production, according to a new supply-chain report. Not much is known about it for sure, though it is expected to have enhanced AI performance, and it's also been suggested that it may have a somewhat different design to previous M-series chips ... We're expecting to see the M5 chip used for 2025 models of the: Of these, the most significant may be the Vision Pro, as the chip is expected to bring Apple Intelligence features to the spatial computer - something not available on the existing M2-powered model. That's not because the M2 chip can't run AI, but rather than the chip isn't powerful enough to simultaneously take care of all the visionOS processes and Apple Intelligence on top. The rest of the hardware design is expected to remain largely or wholly unchanged. The MacBook Pro may get a significant power boost through a new chip packaging process, according to a Ming-Chi Kuo report late last year. One of the key elements of Apple's A-series and M-series chips is the System-on-a-Chip (SoC) design which tightly integrates all the components within a single package. This includes both CPU and GPU. But a new report suggests that the M5 Pro chip may take a different approach of having more separated CPU and GPU in order to improve performance and boost production yields In particular, this could boost AI performance. However, those considering an upgrade from an older MacBook Pro model may want to hold out for the 2026 model, which is rumored to be in line for a "total redesign" that will see it get thinner and lighter. ETNews reports that the M5 chip is now in mass production. Apple has started mass production of the next-generation semiconductor chip 'M5'. It is a semiconductor installed in Apple's core products such as the Mac series and iPad. It is understood that Apple has introduced new process technology to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) performance. The report suggests that production has begun with the base M5 chip, with the M5 Pro, Max, and Ultra variants to follow. In addition to boosted performance, the chip is also reported to run cooler, meaning that it will be able to run at full power for longer periods before thermal throttling kicks in.

Apple's AI-focused M5 chip enters mass production

Apple has begun the mass production of its M5 chip, which is set to power next-generation products, including the upcoming Mac series and iPad. Coinciding with long-standing reports, the Cupertino-based tech brand is establishing a new node process for packaging the semiconductor. The technology is intended to provide improved AI performance on the devices it powers, according to ETnews. Industry sources told the Korean publication that Apple began packaging the M5 chip last month. Taiwan's TSMC began the initial production of the M5 chip circuit using its 3nm process (N3P). The technology is expected to improve the power efficiency of the M5 chip by between 5% and 10%, and performance by 5% in comparison to the previous M4 chip, which will aid in improving AI performance on upcoming Mac and iPad models. Recommended Videos Apple is known to be releasing a series of M5 chips, including the M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra, each with its own performance and application levels. Other companies assisting in packaging the M5 chip series are ASE in Taiwan, Amkor in the U.S., and JCET in China. The additional outsourcing suppliers are preparing to need extra facilities to expand the mass production of the high-end chips, including Pro, Max, and Ultra, ETnews detailed. "Orders for equipment to expand the mass production volume of the M5 are continuously being made," an industry insider told the publication. "As it has begun full-scale production, it will be installed in Apple devices that will be released in the future," they added. Previous rumors suggested that Apple's M5 launch might be lackluster, but that was before the brand made its intent in the AI market apparent. Notable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in December 2024 that the earliest M5 models should begin mass production during the first and second quarter of 2025, while the M5 Ultra would likely begin mass production in 2026. He added that higher-end chips would be "better suited for AI inferencing."

Apple M5 chip reportedly entering mass production -- here's the devices that will get it first

Apple is expected to launch the next-generation M5 chip at some point this year, though when has been up for debate. It could be soon. Today, the South Korean publication ET News reported that Apple has begun production of the new chip in Taiwan at TSMC sequentially with "USA Amco and China JCET." That detail is important mostly because Apple has started to produce chips at an Arizona facility. Some chips are already being produced there, but it's an important movie if Apple hopes to get around the trade war brewing between the Trump administration and China. The ET News report doesn't have many details about the new CPU, though it does note that the new chips should "enhance artificial intelligence performance." Though the article does mention four versions; base, Pro, Max, and Ultra, similar to previous chips. It's no real surprise considering Apple launched it's version of AI -- Apple Intelligence -- with the launch of the iPhone 16 series. Apple Intelligence is has been slowly rolled out across the company's devices over the last few months. ET New's report says that the next iPad Pro will likely be the first to receive the M5, fitting with current rumors that Apple's high-end tablet will get it first. Last year's M4 chip debuted in the new iPad Pro in May. A change from previous years when the M1 through M3 processors launched on the MacBook Pro. It appears the iPad Pro is the new testing ground for Apple's latest chips. An article from 9to5Mac has said that we should see the M5 chip in the Macbook Pro and next Vision Pro headset as well. Though, it's unclear what Apple wants to do in the headset realm. There are rumors Apple is working on a less expensive version of the Vision Pro, which could still feature the M5 chip. If the M5 is entering production, it could be just in time for another May debut of the next iPad Pro. Though reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in late 2024 that we wouldn't see it launch until late 2025. That said, Kuo's predictions don't always align with actual release dates. Apple could still be working on a May release for an iPad Pro M5. Stay tuned to Tom's Guide for more details as they come out on everything M5 and Apple.

Apple Has Commenced Mass Production Of Its M5 Chipset, Will Be Found In The Company's Upcoming iPad Pro Family, New Mixed-Reality Headset And Updated MacBook Pro Models

The entire M4 family is yet to be announced, with the M4 Ultra and possibly an even more powerful chipset slated to arrive later in the year, and according to the latest development, Apple has already commenced mass production of its next-generation silicon, the M5. Going by this schedule, the technology giant has transitioned into overdrive mode as the cutting-edge SoC will likely be found in a host of product lines, including the immediate successor to the Apple Vision Pro. Where the M4 was mass produced on TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, which is also known as 3nm 'N3E,' ETNews has published information spotted by 9to5Mac, mentioning that the M5 will leverage the improved 3nm N3P architecture, leading to efficiency improvements by up to 10 percent and a performance bump of 5 percent. In addition to the upgraded lithography, Apple's M5 may also be outfitted with a significantly more capable Neural Engine, allowing it to support more demanding generative AI features that run completely on-device. As for which product lineup Apple will choose to outfit the M5 in, we have reported that the updated iPad Pro series will be the first recipient and could launch by late 2025 or the first half of 2026. The Korean media outlet also mentions the exact details, which pretty much solidifies our belief that Apple is giving its tablet family preference once more. Also, the M5 could be the first SoC from the Cupertino firm to adopt TSMC's Small Outline Integrated Circuit Packaging. For those who do not know, this approach allows for the stacking of chips in a three-dimensional structure, resulting in better thermal management, reduced current leakage,e and better electrical performance compared to the two-dimensional chip design. Given that the 11-inch and 13-inch are expected to retain the same design as their immediate successors, which includes the razor-thin chassis, selecting a new packaging technology for the M5 could be advantageous here. The new silicon is also reported to be found in the second-generation Apple Vision Pro, along with refreshed 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, and assuming all of this hardware arrives later this year, we will update our readers accordingly, so stay tuned.

Apple's M5 chip could arrive soon -- but not in the device you expect

The Apple M5 chip has reportedly entered production. What device will get it first? Apple's next-gen M5 chip could launch sooner than you might think, but probably not in the device you'd expect. It's been over six months since Apple launched the M4 chip in the iPad Pro on May 7, 2024. Since then, the M4 chip has also made its way into the MacBook Pro, but has yet to arrive on the MacBook Air. Despite that, Apple is already getting the M5 chip ready for launch. Here's a look at the latest update on Apple's M5 chip, when it could launch, and what devices we'll see it in first. On Wednesday, South Korean technology news outlet ET News reported that Apple's M5 chip has entered mass production in Taiwan. The report also indicates that mass production will be taking place sequentially with "USA Amco and China JCET." This appears to be a reference to Amkor, which struck a deal with Apple in 2023 to produce its chips at a new facility in Arizona. Apple is already producing some of its mobile chips, including the A16 processor, in the U.S., but this is an apt time for Apple to move even more of its production stateside given the looming threat of import tariffs. Of course, at the time of writing, the Amkor facility is only completing the packaging part of the chip production process, meaning Apple still relies on components from manufacturing partners overseas. The ET News report doesn't shed much light on the exact details or specs of any of the M5 chips, but it does highlight an increased emphasis on AI. That's to be expected considering Apple launched its on-device AI platform, Apple Intelligence, at WWDC 2024 back in June. Apple Intelligence is still rolling out, but Apple is clearly working to keep up with its competitors' AI offerings, such as Microsoft's Copilot+ PC line-up. If these rumors are true and the M5 chip has entered mass production, the next question is when will it launch? Perhaps even more important, what device will get the M5 chip first? The answer may leave some Apple fans disappointed, unfortunately. Current rumors indicate that the iPad Pro will most likely be the first device to get the M5 chip. This was also the case with the M4 chip, which launched with the new iPad Pro in May 2024. One might expect Apple to launch its new chips with the MacBook Pro instead, which was the case for the M1, M2, and M3 chips, but apparently the iPad Pro will be leading the charge for now. According to reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPad Pro M5 will be entering mass production in the second half of 2025, so we could see the M5 chip launch by the end of the year. That's later than last year's May M4 launch, but it's always possible this rumor is off and Apple is still eyeing another May launch window for the M5 chip. After the iPad Pro, we should see the M5 chip in the MacBook Pro next, probably in late 2025, followed by the MacBook Air in 2026. An M5-powered Vision Pro successor is also possible, although Apple's headset strategy is a bit up in the air right now following the cancellation of its AR smart glasses project. We're keeping a close eye on all things Apple, so stay tuned for more updates on the M5 chip, the new iPad Pro, and the M5 MacBooks.