Last updated: July 23, 2026
Apple has never sold a Mac that connects to mobile networks on its own. That's finally changing. Here's everything credible we know about the first 5G MacBook, updated continuously.
TL;DR
| Question | Best current answer |
|---|---|
| Release date | Late 2026 at the earliest; early 2027 more likely |
| Which Mac first | MacBook Pro (a "MacBook Ultra" tier has also been reported) |
| Modem | Apple's C1 was the modem named in the leaked code; C1X or C2 are plausible by the time it ships |
| SIM type | eSIM-only expected, no physical SIM slot |
| Confidence | High that it's coming; medium on timing |
The evidence, strongest first
Code in Apple's own software (2026). References to a MacBook Pro with cellular capability, tied to the C1 modem (codename "Centauri"), were discovered in Apple code, the strongest signal yet that the product is in active development, not just exploration. (Macworld)
Apple's modem roadmap. Apple shipped its first in-house modem (C1) in the iPhone 16e in early 2025. Successors in that same family, C1X and C2, are expected to be efficient enough for laptops, and reporting indicates future M-series chips (M6 era) will integrate cellular for the 2027 Mac lineup. Neither C1X nor C2 has been directly tied to the MacBook Pro code found so far, they're plausible candidates for what ships, not confirmed.
Product rumors. A high-end "MacBook Ultra" with up to six new features, including cellular connectivity, has been reported for the 2026 to 2027 window. (MacRumors)
The delay factor. The global memory chip shortage has reportedly pushed several 2026 Apple products toward 2027. Treat any specific launch month with skepticism.
What eSIM on a Mac will look like
Apple already runs this playbook on iPad, so the shape is predictable:
eSIM-only. Every cellular iPad and every US iPhone since the iPhone 14 skips the physical SIM.
Plan setup in Settings, via carrier apps, or QR codes, same as iPad today.
Data-only. Don't expect phone calls from your MacBook (you already have Continuity for that).
Why this matters more than it sounds
A cellular MacBook kills the last dependency of remote work: hunting for Wi-Fi. No hotel login portals, no cafe passwords, no draining your phone as a hotspot. Open the lid, you're online, the way iPads have worked since 2010.
The catch will be pricing. Carriers have historically charged laptop data plans like a second phone line. That's the gap travel eSIMs are built to close: one plan, 170 countries, no contract. That's what we're building Firsty for Mac to be. See how Firsty works on MacBook today
Meanwhile: get your current MacBook online anywhere
You don't need to wait for the hardware. How to connect your MacBook in 170 countries today.
Update log
Jul 23, 2026: Page launched. Consolidated code-discovery reports, C1X/C2 modem roadmap, memory-shortage delay reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 5G MacBook be released?
Best evidence points to late 2026 at the earliest, more likely early 2027, with the MacBook Pro line first.
When is the new MacBook Pro coming out?
The cellular MacBook Pro specifically is expected late 2026 or early 2027. Apple may release non-cellular MacBook Pro updates on its usual annual cadence before then, those wouldn't include the 5G/eSIM feature covered on this page.
Will the 5G MacBook support eSIM?
Yes, it's expected to be eSIM-only, consistent with cellular iPads and recent iPhones.
What is Apple's C1 modem?
The C1 is Apple's first in-house cellular modem, launched in the iPhone 16e in early 2025. It's the modem specifically named in the code discovered referencing a cellular MacBook Pro. By the time a cellular Mac actually ships, Apple may use a newer chip in the same family, such as C1X or C2, instead.
Will existing MacBooks get eSIM via a software update?
No. eSIM requires a cellular modem, which no current MacBook has. It's a hardware feature.
