Apple’s unannounced MacBook Pro (A3434) appears in the FCC with the M5 chip, Thread/Matter smart‑home support, macOS Tahoe integration, and Wi‑Fi 6E.
© A. Krivonosov
An unannounced Apple MacBook Pro has surfaced in the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) database, hinting at a fast-approaching launch for the refreshed notebook lineup. The device, listed as model A3434, is described in filings as running on Apple’s new M5 chip.
Earlier expectations suggested Apple might skip its traditional fall refresh for the MacBook Pro and push the update back. The FCC listing, however, points to the 14- and 16-inch versions arriving sooner than anticipated.
One of the standout changes is support for Thread, a wireless protocol for smart devices that underpins the Matter standard. This will allow MacBook Pro to plug into the smart-home ecosystem via the Apple Home app in macOS Tahoe. No previous MacBook Pro included this capability.
In a surprise move, Apple is sticking with Wi‑Fi 6E, even though Wi‑Fi 7 has already made its way to the M4-powered iPad Pro. In other words, the new lineup leans on deeper smart‑home integration and the M5’s boost in computing power rather than chasing the very latest wireless tech. That trade-off seems intentional, prioritizing practical ecosystem gains over a spec-sheet victory.