With the new M5 chip, the Apple iPad Pro M5 seamlessly blends desktop power with tablet versatility, catering to both creative professionals and travellers.
Apple iPad Pro M5
Apple has quietly introduced the new iPad Pro with the M5 chip, its latest high-end tablet powered by the next generation of Apple silicon.
The announcement arrived without an event or live presentation, suggesting this is a minor update rather than a complete redesign.
The new iPad Pro looks identical to the previous M4 version and comes in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches, with no difference in performance or battery life between them. I use the word “minor” loosely, as there is the small matter of the new M5 Chip.
Features Apple iPad M5 Pro
As is always the case with new chips, Apple describes the M5 chip as the most powerful and efficient processor it has ever built for iPad. It features a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core and a 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks. Apple claims the M5 delivers up to 3.5 times the AI performance of the M4 and as much as 5.6 times faster than the first M1-powered iPad Pro.
The chip also brings up to 6.7 times faster 3D rendering and significant gains for video encoding, AI image generation, and on-device video upscaling.
The CPU inside the M5 uses four performance cores and six efficiency cores, which Apple says make it the fastest CPU core available in any tablet. Its third-generation ray tracing engine delivers more realistic lighting and reflections for apps and games. Apple’s examples include smoother 3D modelling in Octane X and faster video work in Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
It is designed for professionals who rely on creative software, from architects and designers to mobile video editors.
No change to storage options
The new iPad Pro also benefits from faster storage and memory bandwidth. With over 150GB per second of unified memory bandwidth, approximately 30 per cent more than the M4 model, it can handle larger projects and more multitasking.
The 256GB and 512GB versions now start with 12GB of unified memory, while storage options reach up to 2TB. Fast charge support has been improved, allowing the iPad Pro to reach 50 per cent in around 30 minutes when used with the optional 70W USB-C power adapter. Connectivity also sees an upgrade with the new N1 wireless chip, which adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
Design remains unchanged, even down to the nano-texture glass option for the 1Tb/2TB models, which reduces glare for professional use. The iPad Pro remains extremely thin and light, with the 11-inch model at 5.3mm and the 13-inch at 5.1mm.
The Ultra Retina XDR display uses tandem OLED technology for deeper contrast, richer colours, and improved brightness. It can reach 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1600 nits peak in HDR. The tablets can now drive external 120Hz displays and support Adaptive Sync for smoother motion and reduced latency, ideal for gaming and editing setups.
Software
Both new models come with iPadOS 26, introducing the redesigned liquid glass interface, a new windowing system for multitasking, and a refreshed menu bar for easier app control.
There is also an updated Files app with more desktop-like management options and the arrival of the Preview app for PDF editing and annotation. Apple has built more AI-driven features into iPadOS 26 under its Apple Intelligence platform, including local image generation, live translation, and new automation tools in Shortcuts and Reminders.
Accessory compatibility continues with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), both of which are supported on the new iPad Pro. The Magic Keyboard has been slightly refined with a lighter frame, aluminium palm rest, and function keys for brightness and media control.
A Smart Folio case remains available with magnetic attachment and adjustable viewing angles.
Specifications Apple iPad M5 Pro
| Features | Apple iPad Pro M5 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions |
11-inch: Height: 250 mm Width: 178 mm Depth: 5.3 mm 13-inch: Height: 282 mm Width: 216 mm Depth: 5.1 mm |
| Weight |
11-inch: 445 g (Wi-Fi) 13-inch: 580 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Colour Options | Space Black Silver |
| Display | Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED Technology |
| Processor | Apple M5 Chip 10-Core GPU with Neural Accelerator 16-Core Neural Engine |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth 6 USB-C with Fast Charge Support |
| Storage & Memory |
256GB & 12GB 512GB & 12GB 1TB & 16GB 2TB & 16GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
| Operating System | iPadOS 26 Apple Intelligence Features |
| In the Box | iPad Pro M5 USB-C Cable 20W Power Adapter |
| Website | apple.com |
Pricing & Availability Apple iPad M5 Pro
The Apple iPad Pro M5 11-inch model starts at $999/£999 for the Wi-Fi only option, and $1,199/£1,199 for Wi-Fi plus Cellular. The 13-inch version begins at $1,299/£1,299 and $1,499/£1,499, respectively. Both models and all of the configurations are available to pre-order on apple.com.
Both are available in silver or space black, and can be pre-ordered with deliveries and store availability beginning later in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new iPad Pro M5 adds the latest M5 chip, delivering up to 3.5 times faster AI performance and introducing Wi-Fi 7 support. It also includes a new nano-texture glass option for reduced screen glare. However, design, dimensions, and battery life remain unchanged from the M4 version.
No major redesigns were made. The Apple iPad Pro M5 keeps the same slim aluminium build and dimensions as before. The only physical change is the optional nano-texture glass, available for professionals who need glare reduction.
The M5 chip introduces a 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core and a 16-core Neural Engine. It greatly improves performance for AI-driven tools, video editing, and rendering tasks in creative apps like Final Cut Pro, Octane X, and DaVinci Resolve.
There are four models: 256GB and 512GB versions with 12GB of unified memory, and 1TB and 2TB versions with 16GB. All benefit from faster read and write speeds compared to previous iPad Pro generations.
Yes. The new iPad Pro M5 is compatible with both the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). It also supports the latest Magic Keyboard, which includes a lighter design, aluminium palm rest, and function keys.
Apple states up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi models. Performance will vary depending on brightness, app use, and connectivity.
Pre-orders are open now on Apple’s website, with deliveries and retail availability expected from late October 2025. The iPad Pro M5 is available in both silver and space black finishes.
