Tim Hardwick
The iPad Pro, powered by Apple's next-generation M5 chip, is expected to enter mass production in the second half of next year, according to Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a Medium post, Kuo said that the primary assembler of the M5 iPad Pro will be China's BYD Electronics, which will also be the exclusive assembler of Apple's upcoming HomePod with display, scheduled for release in late 2025. Apple launched the current iPad Pro with an OLED display in May 2024, marking the debut of its M4 chip.
Apple has already ordered M5 chips from TSMC as the company begins production development of its next-generation processor, according to one report. The M5 series is expected to feature an improved ARM architecture and will reportedly be manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3nm process technology.
Apple's decision to ditch TSMC's more advanced 2nm technology for the M5 chip is believed to be due to cost considerations. However, the M5 will still feature significant improvements over the M4, particularly by adopting TSMC's System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology.
Aside from the processor upgrade, there are currently no other rumors about new features in the M5 iPad Pro, although Apple has said it is considering changing the orientation of the Apple logo on the back to landscape on future iPads.
Related review: iPad ProTags: M5, Ming-Chi KuoBuyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)[ 81 comments ]
