Highlights
- Apple’s upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models may share a single-chip design, using advanced 2.5D SoIC packaging for better efficiency.
- This modular approach separates CPU and GPU cores, allowing customisable configurations and reducing Apple’s design costs.
- The new MacBook Pro lineup with M5 chips is expected to launch this month.
Apple’s upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro models may bring a major shift in how the company differentiates its high-end chips. A new leak now suggests the M5 Pro and M5 Max may not be separate chips at all, but different variants of a single design. Here’s what we are hearing.
Apple M5 Pro and M5 Max May Use the Same Chip Architecture
According to earlier reports, Apple plans to adopt a new chip packaging approach for more M5 variants. The M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra are expected to use advanced server-grade SoIC packaging.
Apple is reportedly opting for a 2.5D packaging technology known as SoIC-mH (molding horizontal). This is designed to improve manufacturing yields and thermal efficiency by separating CPU and GPU components.
This separation of CPU and GPU cores would allow Apple to offer more customisable configurations. Users who prioritise graphics performance could choose a lower CPU configuration while opting for higher GPU core counts. A recent update to Apple’s Mac purchasing options on its website is believed to support this theory, suggesting Apple may be preparing for more modular chip configurations.
Single-Chip Approach Could Reduce Costs
YouTuber Vadim Yuryev @VadimYuryev on X has claimed that recent beta code leaks showed no direct reference to an M5 Pro chip. He believes this is because Apple may be using a single M5 Max chip design to power both the M5 Pro and M5 Max models, made possible by the 2.5D chip technology.
This approach could significantly reduce Apple’s SKU complexity and overall design costs.
HOLY SMOKES! Just figured out why Apple’s M5 Pro chip did NOT show up in the recent beta code leak:
Apple is using new 2.5D chip tech, allowing them to use a SINGLE M5 Max chip design for BOTH the M5 Pro and M5 Max models.
This saves Apple LOTS of money on SKUs + Design
1/3
👇 pic.twitter.com/6oOmEGI0uR— Vadim Yuryev (@VadimYuryev) February 6, 2026
Under this setup, users who want the highest GPU core count and maximum RAM would still need to opt for the M5 Max configuration, even if the underlying chip design is shared.
Launch Timeline and Future Models
MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to launch sometime this month, according to current reports. Additionally, Apple is also rumoured to be working on a redesigned MacBook Pro with an OLED display, which is expected to arrive later this year.
If these leaks prove accurate, Apple’s M5 lineup could mark a notable shift in chip strategy. The company is planning to offer users more flexibility while streamlining the company’s internal hardware development.
FAQs
Q1. Will the M5 Pro and M5 Max be separate chips?
Answer. Leaks suggest they may share a single-chip design, with Apple using advanced 2.5D SoIC packaging to differentiate configurations rather than separate chips.
Q2. How will Apple’s new chip packaging benefit users?
Answer. The 2.5D SoIC-mH packaging separates CPU and GPU cores, allowing customizable configurations for performance needs while improving yields and thermal efficiency.
Q3. When are the new MacBook Pro models with M5 chips expected to launch?
Answer. Reports indicate the M5 Pro and M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro models could launch this month, with a redesigned OLED MacBook Pro rumoured later this year.