February 6, 2025 – According to a report by ET News, Apple has commenced mass production of its next-generation M5 chip, which began packaging last month. The packaging process is being handled by China’s JCET, Taiwan’s ASE Technology, and Amkor from the US, with ASE Technology being the first to engage in mass production.
Informed sources indicate that the current batch of chips being produced are entry-level M5 chips, rather than the higher-end M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra versions. It is reported that these three packaging companies are investing in expanding their facilities to support the mass production of the high-end models.
ET News stated that Apple has introduced new technology to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The M5 is said to be Apple’s first Apple Silicon chip fully targeted at the AI market, reflecting the company’s increased focus on AI since last year.
The report mentions that the M5’s logic chip continues to use TSMC’s 3nm process (N3P) but incorporates TSMC’s SoIC-MH technology. Compared to the previous generation M4 chip, this new technology improves energy efficiency by 5-10% and boosts performance by approximately 5%.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the first device equipped with the M5 chip is expected to be the new iPad Pro, which will enter mass production in the latter half of the year. Following Apple’s upgrade cycle, various product lines are anticipated to gradually transition to the M5 series chips:
iPad Pro: The M5 chip might debut in late 2025 or mid-2026.
MacBook Pro: Models equipped with the M5 series chips are expected to launch by the end of 2025.
MacBook Air: An M5 version could be introduced in early 2026.
Apple Vision Pro: A new version featuring the M5 chip is predicted to arrive between fall 2025 and spring 2026.
