Apple’s annual processor refreshes are set to continue with reports that the M5 is already in mass production.
A report from ETNews (translated using Google Translate) says Apple’s main chip partner, Taiwanese firm TSMC, is producing the CPU using a “SoIC-MH packaging process”. This enables components on the Apple designed chip to be stacked in a way that better manages heat and therefore better performance.
Many processors are slowed down when they got hot. Better thermal management enables better performance over a more sustained period.
In practical terms, this suggests that people looking to purchase a new Mac, particularly those looking at MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, Mac Pro and iPad Pro models might want to wait if they can. It’s been almost three years since the M2-powered Mac Studio was released and two years since the M2 Ultra Mac Pro hit the stores.
Both of these models are ripe to receive the latest and most powerful Apple Silicon.
Apple released the first of its M-series processors (or more accurately System on a Chip) back in 2020. Over that five year period, it has become the foundation of every new personal computer Apple makes and many iPads.
It’s worth noting that Apple says:
Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.
The first M1 device Apple released was the M1 MacBook Air released in November 2020 and was withdrawn from distribution in 2024. That means support for the earliest M1 devices will continue until 2029.
Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, and Beats products may obtain service and parts from Apple service providers for a minimum of 5 years* from when Apple last distributed the product for sale.
Interestingly, when my M1 Max Mac Studio failed recently, Apple replaced it with a brand new M2 Max model.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.