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At WWDC 2025, Apple previewed macOS Tahoe 26, its upcoming working system replace for Macs, and the last software to support Intel models. Among the many new options customers will get this fall are a revamped design, an all-new Safari, and a long-awaited Telephone app.
Right here’s how Apple describes the Telephone app on macOS Tahoe: “Make and take calls with a click on. Conveniently entry your synced content material like Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail — and benefit from the acquainted options from iPhone.” Customers may also be capable of handle undesirable calls and have Maintain Help assist out whereas ready for a reside agent to select up the decision.
Whereas it has been potential to select up calls and use FaceTime on the Mac for ages, having Apple introduce a correct Telephone app on macOS Tahoe makes me suppose the corporate is contemplating the discharge of mobile Macs, and this isn’t as loopy of an thought because it sounds.
Is Apple planning mobile Macs?
The primary motive to imagine a mobile Mac is within the works is the upcoming Telephone app. Whereas Apple additionally added the app to the iPad, it’s necessary to spotlight that it’s nonetheless unattainable to make use of the iPad’s eSIM to make calls by itself as of iPadOS 26 beta 1.
Another excuse that might point out this long-requested function is coming to Macs is the truth that Apple now makes its personal 5G modems. Whereas the company’s C1 chip underperforms Qualcomm’s processors in basically every task, it has confirmed that it handles battery life and total efficiency a lot better, and the primary instance right here is the brand new iPhone 16e.
Whereas a brand new 5G modem isn’t anticipated to reach earlier than 2026, Apple has an formidable aim to make use of its proprietary chip within the iPhone 18 lineup. As well as, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature Apple’s C1, which exhibits how a lot the corporate believes in its homegrown modem. That stated, mobile Macs may benefit from this know-how as effectively.
The ultimate motive to imagine that is coming might be present in a Bloomberg report from a few years back. On the time, Mark Gurman stated that Apple’s 5G and Wi-Fi modem technique can be key to delivering a mobile chip to the Mac: “The true check will likely be whether or not Apple can efficiently apply its do-it-yourself method to new areas. That features constructing its personal mobile modem, a part that’s now anticipated to be prepared round 2026. The corporate will then most likely want two or three extra years to get that chip inside mobile variations of the Apple Watch and iPad — and the Mac, as soon as the half is built-in into the corporate’s system-on-a-chip.”
Right here’s why a mobile Mac is smart
If that proof isn’t sufficient, it’s necessary to spotlight that Apple has been capable of drastically enhance the MacBook’s battery life over the previous few years. The most recent M4 MacBook models can match the battery lifetime of earlier 16-inch fashions, which is spectacular.
It’s additionally price noting that with the corporate positioning the MacBook Professional as a robust system you must at all times have with you, plus the recent nano-texture display improving usability outdoors, it could be solely pure if Apple’s laptop computer had a 5G connection, permitting customers to work anyplace while not having an iPhone as a private hotspot.
In my expertise, turning on Private Hotspot is a good way to observe each your Mac and iPhone battery drain quickly on the identical time. That stated, Apple’s proprietary 5G modem may very well be the proper answer to resolve this concern on future MacBook fashions.
Lastly, it’s potential that this mobile model comes moderately prior to later. In any case, a redesign of the MacBook Pro is expected by 2026. With a brand new OLED show, one other massive leap may very well be the addition of mobile capabilities, taking the Mac to a complete new degree.
