Apple’s newest iPad Pro with the M5 chip might look familiar at first glance, but a closer look reveals major internal upgrades that make it a compelling choice—especially for users coming from the M2 iPad Pro or older models.
Building on the strengths of last year’s M4 version, the new iPad Pro retains its hallmark features: the industry’s best OLED display, an ultra-thin and lightweight design, a powerful four-speaker setup, and full compatibility with the latest iPadOS 26, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro.
What’s New with the iPad Pro M5
The biggest talking point is, of course, the M5 chip. Built on Apple’s latest architecture, the chip offers significantly faster performance and improved energy efficiency. Combined with faster storage and increased memory, the M5 iPad Pro is designed to meet the needs of pro users across creative, productivity, and AI-driven workflows.
Key Upgrades and Improvements
M5 chip performance: The M5 delivers up to 3.5× faster AI performance compared to the M4, renders 3D graphics with ray tracing 1.5× faster, and achieves 1.2× quicker video transcoding in Final Cut Pro. It can also drive an external display at 120Hz refresh rate.
- Faster storage: Internal read and write speeds are now up to 2× faster, dramatically reducing file transfer and
app load times. - More RAM: The 256GB and 512GB models now come with 12GB of RAM, a 50% boost over last year’s equivalents—ideal
for multitasking and memory-intensive apps. - Fast charging: With a high-wattage USB-C power adapter, the M5 iPad Pro reaches 50% battery charge in about 30
minutes. - N1 connectivity chip: The first iPad to feature Apple’s proprietary N1 chip, enabling Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and
Thread support for smart home integration. - C1X cellular modem: Apple’s in-house C1X chip brings 5G connectivity that’s 30% more power efficient than the
previous M4 modem.
Availability and Pricing
The iPad Pro M5 is now available for pre‑order starting at $999 for the 11‑inch model, with official sales beginning Wednesday, October 22.
With its blend of raw power, future‑ready connectivity, and refined design, the iPad Pro M5 represents Apple’s most capable tablet yet—bridging the gap between professional performance and portable creativity.
