Apple is reportedly investigating the possibility of bringing cellular connectivity to its Mac computers, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This potential development aligns with Apple's ongoing efforts to develop its own custom 5G modems.
While Apple has been rumored to be working on its own modems for several years, recent reports suggest the company is developing three variants: an entry-level version for the iPhone SE 4 and low-end iPads in 2025, a mid-range version for the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026, and a high-end version aiming to outperform Qualcomm in 2027.
If Apple does decide to incorporate cellular connectivity in Macs, it's likely to happen in 2026 or later, potentially coinciding with the release of its more advanced custom modems. This would allow Apple to control both the modem and the main processor, optimizing performance and efficiency.
A cellular-enabled Mac would function similarly to cellular iPads and iPhones, offering seamless connectivity on the go. While Apple could have implemented this feature earlier using Qualcomm modems, the company seems to be prioritizing the integration of its own custom chips.
It's expected that a cellular Mac would come with a price premium. However, the added convenience of always-on connectivity could be highly appealing to professionals and frequent travelers. It's speculated that the next redesigned MacBook Pro might be the first Mac to feature this technology.
