Given mission is accomplished mission. I received the challenge from the editor-in-chief of MacMagazineRafael Fischmann, to write about why we still don’t have a MacBook com 5G. And here are my reflections.
It is important to remember that, although Apple is one of the most innovative companies in the world, its characteristic of action is not to be a pioneer in launches, but rather to launch products that improve the technological market. It didn’t launch the first computer, nor the first smartphone, nor did it launch the first tablet… but when it launched those launches, it changed its markets.
We already have, by the way, some laptops with a slot for a cell phone chip or eSIM attached. For this reason, many users and reviewers are left wondering why Apple hasn’t released a MacBook with 5G yet. The answer to this question is complex and involves several factors. Here are some items that may be influencing this apparent delay on brand notebooks.
Network infrastructure and battery consumption
Although 5G technology is expanding rapidly around the world, there are still many places where it is unavailable or unstable. This can lead to a poor user experience with broken or slow connections.
Additionally, 5G technology is known to be battery draining, which can be a problem for laptops that already need a lot of power to run heavy tasks.
Although the batteries in MacBooks with Apple Silicon perform incredibly efficiently, this extra use could compromise working hours. Apple is known for its hardware and software optimization, and is likely working on more energy-efficient chips for its future devices. This can help mitigate battery issues associated with 5G technology.
modem technology
Apple currently uses Qualcomm modems in its mobile devices, but it is rumored to be developing its own 5G modem to further reduce its reliance on third parties.
If the company manages to create a better and more energy-efficient 5G modem than those currently available, that could be a huge differentiator for a MacBook with built-in 5G.
connectivity standards
While 5G is the latest mobile connectivity technology, there are other emerging technologies that could become popular in the future. There’s already talk of 6G and maybe it’s worth waiting to come up with a whole new standard of mobile connectivity.
It should be remembered that Internet use on computers tends to be much heavier than on mobile devices, requiring a more professional structure. Not to mention that 5G plans in many countries still offer a limited amount of data and can become very expensive for large amounts of downloads and uploads.
It is also worth mentioning the advancement of internet via satellite promoted by Elon Musk’s Starlink, which may be a much more interesting solution on computers, since there are already rumors of the application of this technology on smartphones.
Cost
Implementing a new technology in a device requires significant investments in research and development, in addition to increasing the cost of production. This can lead to a higher final price for the consumer, which could negatively affect product sales.
Apple is known for its premium prices, but also for its extremely high profitability. It may be waiting for a way to roll out 5G without raising the final price of the product too much.
Conclusion
Does the market for an eSIM-enabled laptop already exist? I have my doubts. The brands that applied this technology have not made much marketing noise in this direction, which may be an indication that this is still not a very attractive differential for the market.
Personally, I would like to have this option. Using the iPad with a mobile chip is quite interesting, it brings independence and even more protection for working in public places.
Apple has yet to release a MacBook with 5G for a number of possible reasons, including lack of network infrastructure, waiting for better and more energy-efficient 5G modem technology, adopting new connectivity standards, availability of more energy-efficient processing chips, in addition to cost and waiting for a market opportunity.
While Apple may be working on this product, the company is likely waiting for the right time to release it. By the rumors and leaksthat moment should not happen until at least 2025. So, let’s wait…
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