Via a new update from the reliable analyst – Ming-Chi Kuo, more details concerning the upcoming Apple M5 series chips as well as their mass production time frames have been revealed. Notably, one of the main change is Apple’s move away from the ‘system on a chip’ approach.
Here’s more about the update.
Apple M5 Series Chips – Revealed Details and Mass Production Time Frames
The M5 series chips as previously known and now again shared by Ming-Chi Kuo, is said to adopt TSMC’s advanced N3P node or the third generation 3nm process technology, and the upcoming chips are expected to enter mass production from next year onwards. Regarding the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, the former is believed to have its mass production in the first half of 2025 (1H25), while that latter two’s mass production is likely to take place in the second half of 2025 (2H25). About the M5 Ultra, its mass production, as mentioned by Ming-Chi Kuo, may only happen in 2026.
Speaking more, as pointed out above, Apple is also going to be utilizing server-grade SoIC packaging, or in other words – system on integrated chip approach, for the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra chips (exempting only the M5 chip). The brand, more specifically, would be using 2.5D packaging called as SoIC-mH (molding horizontal) and is suggested to feature separate CPU and GPU designs. This change could further also improve production yields and thermal performance as noted by Ming-Chi Kuo.
Moreover, Ming-Chi Kuo also adds that Apple’s PCC infrastructure build-out will possibly accelerate following the mass production of the high-end M5 chips. Additionally, the M5 chips are also considered to be better suited for AI inferencing.
Just to add, looking at the expected mass production time frames of the M5 series chips, more or less they align with the M4 series chips roll-out plan of this year. Considering this, it is likely that we may get to see Apple unveiling its very first M5 series chip-powered MacBook next year in October 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates.
