Apple’s M6 iPad Pro to Feature In-House Modem in 2027: Gurman

Highlights

• Apple plans to replace Qualcomm modems with its own in-house modem in the M6 iPad Pro.
• The M6 iPad Pro is expected to launch in 2027 after the M5 iPad Pro.
• This follows its introduction of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e.
• Apple will release the M5 iPad Pro later this year, likely in October.

Caption – Apple to integrate next-gen in-house modem in future iPad Pro. (Image credit – 9to5Mac/Apple)

Apple is planning to equip its future iPad Pro with an in-house modem, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This shift will happen in 2027 with the M6 iPad Pro, which will replace the Qualcomm modems currently used in cellular iPad Pro models. Here’s what we know.

Apple’s In-House Modem Expansion

Apple introduced its first in-house modem, the C1, in the recently launched iPhone 16e. While it’s a strong competitor, it currently lacks mmWave support. Apple is already working on future versions to bring it up to flagship standards.

Now, Gurman reports that Apple has “started early work on M6 versions with in-house modem chips, which are being targeted for 2027.”

This means the M6 iPad Pro will be among the first non-iPhone devices to feature Apple’s own modem technology.

M5 iPad Pro Coming First in 2025

Before the M6 model arrives, Apple is preparing to launch the M5 iPad Pro, likely later this year in October. According to Gurman, the M5 iPad Pro is already in the “late testing” phase and is “on track for production in the second half of this year.”

This update will be a simple chip upgrade rather than a major redesign. The iPad Pro already received a big design refresh last year, introducing an OLED display, a thinner form factor, and a landscape-oriented front camera.

Gurman states, “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.”

With the M5 iPad Pro arriving in 2025 and the M6 version expected in 2027 with Apple’s own modem, it’s clear that Apple is steadily moving toward more in-house hardware solutions across its product lineup.

FAQs

Q1. When will the M6 iPad Pro with an in-house modem be launched?

Answer. Apple plans to introduce the M6 iPad Pro with its own in-house modem in 2027, replacing the Qualcomm modems currently used in cellular models.

Q2. What are the features of the M5 iPad Pro expected in 2025?

Answer. The M5 iPad Pro, set for launch later this year, will feature a chip upgrade but no major design changes. It follows the 2023 redesign, which added an OLED display and thinner form.

Q3. What is Apple’s strategy for in-house modem expansion?

Answer. Apple is gradually shifting to in-house modem solutions, starting with the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e and expanding to iPads with the M6 iPad Pro in 2027.

Also Read: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Leak: Specs, AnTuTu Score & Launch Timeline

Also Read: Apple’s WWDC 2025 to Kick Off on June 9: iOS 19 & More