The new M5 iPad Pro’s biggest change isn’t the M5 chip

Why Apple’s New In-House ‘C1X’ Cellular Modem Is a Bigger Deal Than the Spec Bump

Apple’s new M5 iPad Pro might seem like just another minor “chip-and-ship” update that many can probably skip. However, the real story lies within a tiny new component inside the device: an in-house cellular chip. This signals a significant strategic move in Apple’s long-running feud with Qualcomm.

What’s New in the M5 iPad Pro?

Like the recent MacBook updates, the M5 iPad Pro refresh was quietly launched with mostly just a processor bump. As Apple analyst Mark Gurman noted, the device only offers “modest improvements” beyond the M5 chip. The M4 iPad Pro is already a powerhouse, and Gurman rightly points out that “if you’re on an M4 iPad Pro, you’re going to essentially see no difference in day-to-day use.”

For industry watchers, the biggest change isn’t the M5 chip itself. It’s the introduction of the new in-house C1X cellular modem, which replaces the third-party modem component Apple previously used. The M5 iPad Pro also features a new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 support and faster external display capabilities, but these are relatively minor, niche upgrades.

Why This Little Chip Is a Big Deal

You might wonder why a modem matters. For most users, it probably doesn’t — but for Apple, it’s hugely important. That “third-party component” Apple replaced? It was sourced from Qualcomm.

Anyone familiar with tech industry news knows that Apple and Qualcomm have a history marked by lawsuits over patents and licensing fees. Apple hates depending on other companies for critical components, especially a complicated business partner like Qualcomm.

For years, Apple has invested billions into designing its own cellular modems to cut Qualcomm out of the equation, control costs, and tightly integrate their hardware and software. The C1X modem is the first significant result of that effort, debuting in an iPad. It represents a massive step forward in Apple’s quest for total vertical integration.

This Is for Apple, Not for You

This update is a classic example of an “Apple move.” It’s a major business and engineering win for the company but means very little for the average user. As Gurman notes, “Apple’s switch to in-house components may make business sense, but we’re not at the point where the experience is changing noticeably.”

He also highlights that “most iPad buyers opt for the Wi-Fi only option anyway,” making this shiny new cellular chip irrelevant for the majority of customers. This update does not change buying decisions for most people.

The real test will come when Apple finally introduces these in-house modems in the iPhone. That’s where performance must be flawless, and that’s when Qualcomm is likely to feel the pressure. For now, this development is a quiet but strategically significant first step.

Final Thoughts

While the M5 iPad Pro’s headline may seem underwhelming, the inclusion of Apple’s own C1X modem hints at a future where Apple controls even more of its hardware stack. It’s a move that could reshape its relationships with suppliers and competitors alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to refine and expand its in-house modem technology.

https://www.phonearena.com/news/the-new-m5-ipad-pros-biggest-change-isnt-the-m5-chip_id174991

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