Apple’s Overhauled MacBook Pro: Will It Finally Offer Cellular Support? | 9to5Mac

A major MacBook Pro redesign

Apple is expected to update the MacBook Pro for the first time since 2021. The anticipated changes include OLED screens, touch capability and a substantially lighter design. The October 28 “Pro and tell” event in Los Angeles is expected to feature the first touchscreen MacBooks. It is described as a hands-on gathering for media and influencers rather than a streamed presentation.

Products expected at the event

Alongside an OLED MacBook Pro, Apple is expected to show an OLED iPad mini and a refreshed iMac. A 14-inch entry-level MacBook Pro with an M6 chip is also anticipated. The higher-end MacBook Pros expected this week are described as using M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, rather than M6 processors.

Modem testing fuels speculation

If Apple adds cellular connectivity, the MacBook could use its C2 modem, also seen in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. The available reports, however, do not establish that the feature will ship.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in 2024 that Apple was exploring cellular MacBooks for as early as 2026. He said the company was testing its second-generation modem with the laptops, which the article identifies as likely the C2.

No confirmation yet

Last year, Filipe Esposito reported at Macworld that Apple was testing M5 Pro MacBook Pro configurations with its C1 modem. That was testing rather than confirmation, but the reported chip pairing has drawn attention because M5 Pro models are expected this week.

There have been no substantive leaks since then confirming cellular support, and none explicitly ruling it out. The question could be answered within days.