Apple's M5 Chip MacBook Pro Set to Debut in 2026, Analyst Reveals

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the MacBook Pro with Apple's M5 chip is expected to launch in 2026, not in 2025 as previously rumored. The M5 chip will use traditional packaging techniques, while the A20 chip in the iPhone 18 will utilize Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module technology for packaging. The M5 chip's manufacturing process is a crucial detail in the market's anticipation of its integration in Apple's future MacBook Pro lineup.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's MacBook Pro models equipped with the M5 chip are expected to launch in 2026, rather than the previously rumored 2025. The delay is attributed to the use of separate underfill and molding processes for the high-end M5 Pro and M5 Max chips [1]. This traditional packaging technique is more complex and time-consuming than the Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology that will be used for the A20 chip in the iPhone 18 [2].

The M5 chip's manufacturing process is a critical factor influencing market anticipation for its integration into Apple's future MacBook Pro lineup. The delay is significant for investors and financial professionals, as it impacts the timeline for new product releases and potential revenue streams. Additionally, Apple's strategic partnership with Samsung to produce chips for future iPhones, which includes a pioneering chip-making technology, underscores the company's commitment to enhancing power efficiency and performance [3].

In the context of Apple's broader strategy, the delay of the M5 chip is part of a larger trend towards more advanced packaging technologies. The adoption of WMCM for the iPhone 18 highlights Apple's commitment to innovation and efficiency in semiconductor packaging. This shift is also reflected in Apple's partnership with TSMC, which has secured new suppliers for advanced packaging materials, including China's Eternal Materials [2].

The financial implications of these developments are multifaceted. On one hand, the delay of the M5 chip may temporarily impact Apple's revenue projections. However, on the other hand, the partnership with Samsung and the adoption of more advanced packaging technologies position Apple for long-term growth and competitive advantage in the semiconductor market.

References:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1mobyx8/macbook_pro_models_with_m5_chips_might_not_launch/
[2] https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/08/ming-chi-kuo-reveals-tsmcs-new-supplier-of-advanced-packaging-materials-for-apples-2026-iphone-and-mac-processors.html
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/apple-shares-rise-3-18-intraday-announcing-100-billion-investment-chip-partnership-samsung-2508/