MacBook Pro M5 with Cellular?

[Mafioso]

So with the news of the iPhone 16E unveiling Apple’s new C1 Modem chip; do you think we can expect the MacBook Pro with M5 to have cellular?

Just got the MacBook Pro M4 Pro at the release last year & the only thing that I’m planning to upgrade for is Tandem OLED & Cellular.

 

[raythompsontn]

do you think we can expect the MacBook Pro with M5 to have cellular?

I don’t need, or want, to pay for another cellular plan. I can easily tether to my iPhone.

 

[mk313]

This is an interesting question. I would personally not pay extra for a modem in my MacBook, BUT IIRC, part of why Apple did not like the Qualcomm royalty structure was that it applied as a % of the total device price, not just the modem component. If so, that would have the potential to add quite a bit to the cost of a computer. If Apple can source their own modems, then it would just be a flat fee of whatever they cost.

I could actually see them doing this. Depending on the cost, it might even make sense for them to build this into all Macbooks to increase demand & drive down the cost to build. I could maybe see them making it standard on all iPads too, but I'm not sure if they will, as those already have that extra $129 (or whatever it is currently) built into the price for the cellular upgrade, and they'd lose out on that if they made it standard.

Interesting question.

 

[Mafioso]

This is an interesting question. I would personally not pay extra for a modem in my MacBook, BUT IIRC, part of why Apple did not like the Qualcomm royalty structure was that it applied as a % of the total device price, not just the modem component. If so, that would have the potential to add quite a bit to the cost of a computer. If Apple can source their own modems, then it would just be a flat fee of whatever they cost.

I could actually see them doing this. Depending on the cost, it might even make sense for them to build this into all Macbooks to increase demand & drive down the cost to build. I could maybe see them making it standard on all iPads too, but I'm not sure if they will, as those already have that extra $129 (or whatever it is currently) built into the price for the cellular upgrade, and they'd lose out on that if they made it standard.

Interesting question.

I honestly dont see cost driven down being a factor since they'll most likely be using the same C1 (Cx) chip from now in within all iPhones. The amount of tooling & fabrication will already be there especially since they took the leap & placed it in their "entry device" that will most likely be distributed at any company that provides an large amount of company phones for their employees. I think that's why they chose the 16E to be the device they decided to branch out this technology on imo. Theres a lot of revenue they make back fast. It's kinda like how Ford marketed the F-150 being used as a fleet vehicle for companies in the US.

However, I could see them being placed in all MacBooks moving forward if they do provide them as a new feature like you stated as a new standard selling point. It has me specifically excited. I work in remote areas without Wi-Fi access & would like dedicated data for my computer which im sure a lot of people could see as a utility.

The one issue I see from this would be a cost increase compared to MacBook generations before.

 

[svish]

Probably one day. But not expecting it along with the M5 version. With the M6 version, along with the redesign it may happen. Would love to see this.

 

[UnifiedMelody]

Would love to see cellular support on MBP's, however the issue is Australia overcharges for data which kind of defeats the purpose which is why I felt cellular iPads never took off for me.

That said the fundamental base behind C1 irterested me way more than the actual iPhone as if it is efficient power wise can change the landscape.