Apple's collaboration with TSMC has deepened, focusing on advanced hybrid SoIC packaging that employs thermoplastic carbon fiber composite molding technology, which aims to mitigate thermal issues and electrical leakages.

This new hybrid SoIC package entered trial production in July 2024, marking a significant step in Apple's ongoing partnership with TSMC.

Apple chose the 3-nanometer process for the M5 chip over TSMC's 2-nanometer option primarily due to cost considerations, although it plans to adopt the latter for future M and A series chips.

Apple has placed orders for M5 chips from TSMC, which are set to power the next generation of iPad Pro and Mac devices, with production expected to begin in the latter half of 2025.

This development highlights Apple's reliance on TSMC as its exclusive chip manufacturing partner, a crucial aspect of its transition away from Intel processors since 2020.

References to the M5 chip have already surfaced in Apple's official code, indicating that development is actively underway.

There is speculation that M5 iPad Pro models may launch alongside the M5 MacBook Pro models, but this remains uncertain and contingent on Apple's strategic decisions.

Earlier this year, Apple unveiled its M4 chip alongside the OLED iPad Pro models, followed by the releases of the M4 Pro and M4 Max variants, setting the stage for the upcoming M5 series.

The M5 chip is anticipated to be a significant upgrade from the M4 chip, utilizing TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process technology and enhanced ARM architecture for improved performance and efficiency.

The MacBook Pro models are likely to be the first devices to feature the M5 chip, with potential launches for M5 MacBook Air models expected in Spring 2026.

Production of the M5 chip could commence in late 2025, with the first devices featuring the chip anticipated to launch shortly thereafter.

In addition to consumer devices, Apple plans to integrate the M5 chip into its AI server infrastructure to bolster AI capabilities, including a new large language model for Siri, expected to debut in Spring 2026.