At WWDC 2025, Apple showcased macOS Tahoe 26, its forthcoming operating system update for Macs, marking the final software to support Intel models. This fall, users can anticipate a redesigned interface, a completely new Safari, and a long-awaited Phone app.
Apple describes the Phone app on macOS Tahoe as follows: “Make and take calls with a click. Conveniently access your synced content like Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail — and enjoy the familiar features from iPhone.” Users will also gain the ability to manage unwanted calls and have Hold Assist assist while they wait for a live agent to answer the call.
Although users have long been able to answer calls and use FaceTime on the Mac, the introduction of a dedicated Phone app in macOS Tahoe suggests that the company may be contemplating the introduction of cellular Macs, which isn’t as outlandish as it seems.
Is Apple developing cellular Macs?
The initial indication that a cellular Mac might be in development is the forthcoming Phone app. While Apple has also introduced the app for the iPad, it is crucial to note that making calls using the iPad’s eSIM independently remains unattainable as of iPadOS 26 beta 1.
Another sign that this long-desired feature might be arriving on Macs is that Apple now manufactures its own 5G modems. Although the company’s C1 chip lags behind Qualcomm’s processors in nearly every aspect, it has demonstrated superior performance in battery life and overall efficiency, with the new iPhone 16e being a prime example.
While a new 5G modem isn’t anticipated to be launched before 2026, Apple has set an ambitious target to incorporate its proprietary chip into the iPhone 18 lineup. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to feature Apple’s C1, showcasing the company’s confidence in its in-house modem. Therefore, cellular Macs could also gain from this technology.
The final indication that this development is forthcoming can be traced back to a Bloomberg report from a few years ago. At that time, Mark Gurman stated that Apple’s strategy for 5G and Wi-Fi modems would be crucial for delivering a cellular chip for the Mac: “The real test will be whether Apple can successfully apply its do-it-yourself approach to new areas. That includes building its own cellular modem, a component expected to be ready around 2026. The company will likely require two or three additional years to integrate that chip into cellular versions of the Apple Watch and iPad — and the Mac, once the component is incorporated into the company’s system-on-a-chip.”
