South Korean publication ETnews reports that next-generation Apple Silicon M5 chips have entered mass production. New Apple devices powered by the chip are expected before the end of 2025.
A Wednesday morning report by ETnews says that Apple’s chipmaking partner TSMC is currently packaging early M5 chip production. Packaging of new chip is the final step before actually using it in devices, so that means the M5 chip is can now be officially be considered to be in mass production.
As for the Apple devices expected to use the M5 and their expected release timeframes, the M5 iPad Pro is expected to be unveiled in late 2025, Apple’s Mac lineup is also expected to begin using the M5 late this year. The M5 is also expected to power a second-generation Apple Vision Pro headset, which is also expected to have a later 2025 release date.
The M5 series is reportedly being fabricated using TSMC’s 3-nanometer process. Apple is said to not be using TSMC’s more advanced 2nm process for the M5 chip due to cost considerations. High-end versions of the M5 are expected to feature significant advancements over their M4 equivalents
TSMC’s System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology uses a 3D chip-stacking approach that vertically stacks the chips, enhancing thermal management and reducing electrical leakage.
The M5 Pro and the M5 Max are expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2025, while the M5 Ultra is expected to be enter mass production in 2026.
