Apple M5 Chip Enters Mass Production: Powering Next-Gen MacBook Pro, iPad Pro & Vision Pro

Apple’s M5 chip has officially entered mass production, marking a crucial step in the development of the next-generation MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro devices. According to a report from South Korean publication ETNews, Apple has commenced production of the base M5 chip, with the more advanced M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra variants set to follow later.

The packaging process, which is the final step in chip manufacturing, is already underway, signaling that Apple is on track with its silicon roadmap. Taiwan’s ASE Group has started the packaging process, while Amkor and JCET are expected to join production soon. These manufacturers are actively expanding their facilities to support the production of the high-end M5 chip variants.

Apple M5 Chip Uses 3nm Process Technology, Skips 2nm for Cost Reasons

The M5 chip is being manufactured using TSMC’s 3-nanometer process technology, ensuring improved power efficiency and performance. However, Apple has reportedly chosen to bypass the more advanced 2nm process, likely due to cost considerations and production scalability.

Notably, the upcoming M5 Pro model may introduce a new chip design, separating the CPU and GPU components. This shift from Apple’s traditional System-on-a-Chip (SoC) architecture is expected to enhance both performance and production yields. If implemented, this new approach could lead to better thermal management and efficiency, particularly in high-performance devices like the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro.

M5 Chip to Bring AI Enhancements for Next-Gen Vision Pro

One of the key improvements of the Apple M5 chip will be its advanced AI capabilities, specifically designed to enhance the performance of the next-generation Vision Pro headset. The current M2-powered Vision Pro struggles with certain AI-driven features, as its processing power is largely dedicated to handling visionOS tasks.

With the M5 chip, Apple is expected to integrate enhanced machine learning (ML) capabilities, boosting performance for augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. This will likely improve gesture recognition, real-time spatial processing, and AI-assisted computing in the Vision Pro and other Apple devices.

M5 Chip Launch Timeline: When to Expect New Apple Devices

Apple’s production timeline for the M5 chip aligns with its usual upgrade cycle. The first wave of devices featuring the new processor is expected to debut in late 2025, with the iPad Pro likely being the first recipient.

Following the iPad Pro, the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro are anticipated to launch with the M5 chip between fall 2025 and spring 2026. The M5 Pro and M5 Max variants will enter mass production in the second half of 2025, while the M5 Ultra model will likely follow in early 2026.

What to Expect from Apple’s M5 Chip-Powered Devices?

With the M5 chip, Apple is expected to deliver a significant leap in performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities. Key improvements include:

Faster CPU & GPU Performance – Thanks to the 3nm process and potential new CPU-GPU separation.
Enhanced AI Processing – Improving machine learning, on-device AI, and real-time computing.
Better Power Efficiency – Optimizing battery life for MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro.
Advanced Thermal Management – Reducing heat generation for improved sustained performance.
Improved Augmented Reality (AR) Features – Especially beneficial for the Vision Pro.

As Apple moves forward with its M5 chip production, these upgrades will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Apple devices, keeping them competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.