Does the MacBook Pro (2023) have 5G?

Apple fans were instantly elated when the new MacBook Pro (2023) was unveiled. It comes in 14- and 16-inch iterations and with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chipset that boasts blazing-fast performance, support for up to 96GB of unified memory, and the longest battery life ever in a MacBook.

While the MacBook Pro (2023) has plenty of connectivity options, unfortunately it’s still one of the few Apple devices that doesn’t have a 5G connectivity option. It connects to the Internet exclusively via Wi-Fi. However, you can take advantage of the 5G cellular connection from the hotspot option on your phone to get your MacBook Pro (2023) online in no time.

Connecting a laptop like the MacBook Pro (2023) over 5G can be useful for using a cellular network on the go when you’re not near accessible Wi-Fi, when Wi-Fi is spotty, or when you want something more secure than Public Wi-Fi. If you are somewhere where there is no access to Wi-Fi, a phone hotspot or other separate hotspot device will be your only option with this computer. If your concern is with unsecured public Wi-Fi, there is also a chance you can connect using one of the best VPNs for Mac. This allows you to use any available Wi-Fi (carefully, of course, choosing only from known sources), and then browse with your location hidden.

If you want to use 5G on your MacBook Pro more than well, you might want to consider upgrading to a generous service plan with your wireless carrier and take advantage of the phone’s hotspot and 5G connection. Just keep in mind the size of the plan and don’t overdo it with things like video streams or downloading/uploading large files when you load up on it.

When it comes to connectivity beyond 5G, the MacBook Pro (2023) has it in spades. Along with Wi-Fi 6E, it offers HDMI 2.1, which can support displays up to 8K at 60Hz (4K at 240Hz), three Thunderbolt ports, an SDXC card slot, and MagSafe charging. Even without 5G, the new MacBook Pro (2023) easily ranks among the best Macs. Running macOS Ventura, which has nifty features like video conferencing with the Continuity Camera, Handoff in FaceTime, and a Stage Manager that automatically organizes apps and windows, the powerful PC is a worthy upgrade for those who’ve been holding on to their old MacBook Air or MacBook Pro for years.

So no, the MacBook Pro (2023) doesn’t have 5G natively. And while it would be nice, it would require a service plan, which would mean additional costs. You probably don’t need it anyway because if you have a plan with a 5G phone with a generous data plan, you can use that to connect to your laptop as needed.