Apple working on next-gen M6 processor inside of new iPad Pro, with custom C2 5G modem and more

Apple is working on a next-generation M6 processor that will be found inside of a new iPad Pro in 2027, with a custom in-house C2 or C3 5G modem in 2027.

In a new post from Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman, we're learning that the new M5 processor will enter mass production in 2026 at its new factory in Houston, expected to debut inside of new iPad Pros and MacBook Pro laptops. Meanwhile, the future-gen M6 processor will feature a new in-house C2/C3 5G modem and be ready for release sometime in 2027.

Gurman writes: "Apple's M5 iPad Pro goes into advanced testing ahead of launch this year. The company is planning to make the iPad Pro one of the first devices to include the next-generation M5 chip. The new versions of that model, code-named J817, J818, J820 and J821, are in late testing within Apple and on track for production in the second half of this year. The company has also started early work on M6 versions with in-house modem chips, which are being targeted for 2027".

• Read more: Apple's new Houston factory to make AI servers with high-end M5 in 2026
• Read more: Apple M5 chip enters mass production: for iPad Pro, MacBook Pro
• Read more: iPhone 16e sports the company's first in-house 5G modem
• Read more: Apple's next-gen C3 5G modem rumor: 2027, same year its licensing agreement ends with Qualcomm

Gurman continued: "Earlier this month, Apple rolled out updates to both the iPad Air and entry-level iPad (the iPad mini had already been refreshed late last year). The iPad Pro, meanwhile, was left out of the cycle after being revamped with a thinner look and the M4 chip last May. Apple has cited the iPad Air as a driver of sales for the product category, which saw revenue grow in double digits over the holidays. There is also already a"chip-and-ship"refresh to the low-end iPad - one that mostly just updates the processor - on the road map".

"In other M5-related news, the MacBook Pro is a lock to get the chip later this year. It will probably happen around the same time of year that it received the M4 processor in 2024 and the M3 in 2023. The M5 MacBook Air also is in the works, I'm told, even though the M4 version just arrived this month. In terms of major new Mac designs, I don't expect the MacBook Pro to get an overhaul until around 2026 - when the M6 model is due to come out".