MacOpinions

Hey, Apple, about a 5G-capable Mac laptop next year?


Apple has extended its modem chip licensing agreement with Qualcomm through March 2027.

As I’ve said before, I’m hoping the next major revamp of the Mac laptop line-up — at the very least, the MacBook Pro — will add 5G support.

This would be a major step for Apple as it’s yet to introduce any sort of cellular capability for the Mac. However, it’s a step worth considering. since competing laptops have the capability (you can find a partial list of such laptops here.) And, despite Apple’s ads to the contrary, many of us still don’t find iPads or iPad Pros a viable Mac laptop alternative.

Of course, you can use your 5G-capable iPhone or iPad as a “Personal Hotspot” to get your Mac online. However, as Roman Loyola points out in a Macworld article, that’s not an optimal solution for various reasons. Apple acquired Intel’s modem business in 2019 with the goal of making its own modem. Such a device isn’t expected to arrive until 2023. Here’s hoping Mac laptops that arrive late that year will pack Apple-built modems.

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Have a great weekend.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.