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Will Apple’s overhauled MacBook Pro finally offer 5G cellular support?

Avatar for Michael Burkhardt  | Oct 25 2026 - 10:16 pm PT
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This week, Apple will be overhauling the MacBook Pro for the first time since 2021. OLED, touch support, and a significantly lighter design are expected. Another rumor for the new MacBook Pros has been cellular support, though it’s been unclear if that’s actually going to ship.

To recap, Apple is expected to unveil its first touchscreen MacBooks at its ‘Pro and tell’ experience on October 28 in LA. It likely won’t be a streamed event, just a hands-on experience for influencers and media. At that event, we should be seeing the OLED iPad mini, OLED MacBook Pro, as well as a refreshed iMac and 14″ base model MacBook Pro, both with the M6 chip.

Cellular MacBook on the way?

If Apple were to ship a cellular MacBook, it would likely utilize the C2 modem seen in iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Even though we don’t know for sure if this weeks new MacBooks will offer cellular, we have a number of hints to suggest so.

In 2024, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman initially reported that Apple was investigating cellular MacBooks for as early as 2026. Back then, he reported that Apple was testing its second generation modem with these MacBooks, which we can assume is the C2.

Additionally, last year, Filipe Esposito reported at Macworld that Apple was testing configurations of an M5 Pro-based MacBook Pro with Apple’s C1 modem. Of course, this is just testing, but the fact that it was with an M5 Pro chip is interesting given the fact that these new MacBooks this week will debut with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, rather than M6-based chips.

Since then, we haven’t had any substantive leaks regarding cellular support in the MacBook Pro lineup. That said, we haven’t had any leaks explicitly ruling it out, either. One way or the other, it should only be a matter of days until we know for sure.

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Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt

Michael is a 9to5Mac Reporter, leading all of our Apple news coverage on weekends and reviewing the newest Apple products and accessories. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He’s also an indie iOS developer, and started the weekly Indie App Spotlight series, which has covered hundreds of blooming new apps since it launched. In his free time, he enjoys shooting street photography around New York City on his Sony A7RV.

Michael Burkhardt's favorite gear

Anker 25K Compact Battery Bank

Featuring two built in cables, a built in display, multiple ports, a 25,000mAh capacity, and up to 100W of output - this is one of the best battery banks for recharging your entire Apple ecosystem on the go.

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Despite a new version reportedly being around a corner, I still personally believe AirPods Pro 2 are a great deal. They're already equipped with USB-C, and continually gain new software features. With them consistently going on sale, it's a great purchase to make. Features like Adaptive Audio are incredible.