Rumor M6 MacBook Pro Could Put Apple’s iPad Sales In Jeopardy With This One Upgrade As The Revamped Lineup’s Launch Approaches Closer Omar Sohail • at EDT Add on Google iPad sales were already stagnant, but this once change could encourage customers to move away from Apple's tablets / Image made using Gemini How We Rate Rumors 0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources RUMOR ASSESSMENT 40% Questionable Apple is finally bringing a design change to the M6 MacBook Pro series later this year, with the new portable Macs expected to feature a slimmer design, a redesigned hinge that’ll accommodate touchscreen capabilities, and an OLED that’s expected to outshine mini-LED technology. However, one upgrade mentioned in the latest report might not just force customers to flock to the newer models, but there’s a chance that iPad sales can suffer because of this. Cellular connectivity on the redesigned M6 MacBook Pro could reduce iPad sales momentum, as Apple is planning 5G modems on its upcoming machines Baseband chips on iPads have existed for as long as we can remember, but irrespective of the level of tweaks Apple brings to iPadOS 27, the company will never transform it into a superior option for everyday productivity compared to macOS. This is why bringing cellular connectivity for Macs will be a game-changer, and according to United Daily News, this upgrade could arrive later this year. Related Story Apple Wants Its Future Drone Swarms To Stop Overwhelming 4G And 5G Networks, As Per A New Patent ApplicationThe report mentions that Foxconn and Quanta are two of Apple’s suppliers who stand to benefit the most from the M6 MacBook Pro’s inception, but as far as details surrounding the 5G modems go, that information is limited, apart from a vapor chamber being mentioned. However, since the technology giant introduced the C1 in the iPhone 16e, followed by the C1X in the iPhone Air, there’s a chance the M6 MacBook Pro will ship with the latest iteration. Given that Qualcomm not only charges Apple a premium for its 5G modems but also requires royalty payments for licensing this technology, it made little sense to bring these pricey components to the MacBook Pro family, which were already targeting that upper pricing category. With the California-based titan finally bringing the C2 5G modem to the iPhone 18, it’s in an excellent position to introduce a crucial selling point to the M6 MacBook Pro models. Like its iPads, Apple will most probably charge a premium to have cellular connectivity enabled on the new machines, with the underlying technology being eSIM. What’s interesting to see is that chipsets like the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and Snapdragon X2 Elite already support 5G connectivity, but Qualcomm’s partners haven’t introduced this feature, likely due to cost barriers. Will Apple bring cellular connectivity to the M6 MacBook Pro? Only the M6 Pro and M6 Max models will feature 5G modems The entire lineup will support cellular connectivity Apple isn't bringing cellular connectivity this year View Results Perhaps with the introduction of cellular connectivity on the M6 MacBook Pro, we could witness wider adoption from the competition. The only question that remains is whether Apple will bring 5G modems to the base model. From our previous report, only the M6 Pro and M6 Max models will be treated to a redesign and display upgrade, while the base model will stick to the older chassis and mini-LED technology. Let us keep our fingers crossed for more updates. News Source: United Daily News About the : Omar Sohail is a and analyst for 's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology. Follow on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds. Deal of the Day Further Reading AMD Says MacBook Neo Can’t Run All Your Games While Ryzen-Based Laptops Can Apple Wants To Make Sure That Your iPhone 18 Pro Remains As Clean And Pristine As When You First Unboxed It Apple’s Next Aluminum Breakthrough Could Turn CNC Machining Waste Back Into iPhone And MacBook Neo Frames At Temperatures As Low As 125 Degree Celsius Intel Doubles Down on 14A as Cadence Signs Multi-Year Pact to Co-Optimize the Foundry’s “Crown Jewel” Process Tech Read all on M6 MacBook Pro Could Put Apple’s iPad Sales In Jeopardy With This One Upgrade As The Revamped Lineup’s Launch Approaches Closer
