The iPad Pro M5, Apple's latest offering in the Pro tablet line, is already on the shelves as of October 2025. With its introduction, Apple has once again raised the bar for what tablets can do, powered by the new M5 chip. This release has given us a glimpse into Apple's direction for the iPad Pro series, setting the stage for what might come next in this high-performance segment.
Design & Hardware
The design of the iPad Pro M5 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the M4 model, featuring the same sleek form factor and the impressive OLED display that Apple introduced last year. The display specifications, including a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits and a nano-texture glass option, have been carried over, offering users an unmatched viewing experience.
Physically, the M5 iPad Pro maintains the ultra-thin profiles of 5.3mm and 5.1mm for the 11-inch and 13-inch models, respectively. Available in space black and silver, the design continues to emphasize portability without sacrificing performance. While some might have hoped for a redesign, the current aesthetics still hold strong against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab series.
Performance & Key Specs
The heart of the iPad Pro M5 is its namesake M5 chip, which is a significant leap forward in terms of performance. According to Apple, the M5 chip offers up to 3.5 times faster AI capabilities compared to the M4, and up to 5.6 times faster than the M1 model. This is largely thanks to the Neural Accelerator in each of the GPU's 10 cores, which significantly boosts graphics and AI performance.
For those who rely on their tablets for demanding tasks, the M5's 10-core CPU, which features a blend of performance and efficiency cores, offers the world's fastest CPU core, according to Apple. This makes it ideal for professionals working in graphic design, video editing, and other intensive applications. Additionally, the storage speeds have doubled, ensuring quick access to large files and seamless multitasking.
Camera / Key Feature
While the M5 iPad Pro did not see significant upgrades in the camera department, it continues to offer a 12MP wide rear camera and a 12MP Center Stage front camera. These cameras, while not groundbreaking, are sufficient for most users' needs, particularly in a device where photography is not the primary focus. The strength of the iPad Pro M5 lies more in its processing capabilities and display technology than in its cameras.
The real star of the show is the M5's enhanced graphics performance, especially with its third-generation ray-tracing engine. This capability is a game-changer for users who engage in 3D modeling and advanced graphics work, providing up to 6.7 times faster 3D rendering compared to the M1 model.
Release Date & Pricing
The iPad Pro M5 was released in October 2025, with prices starting at $999 for the base model. This pricing remains consistent with the previous generation, offering no surprises in terms of cost. The cellular models, which include Apple's new C1X 5G modem for faster data performance, come at an additional cost.
Given Apple's historical pattern, new models or updates to the iPad Pro line can typically be expected around the same time each year. However, substantial changes are more likely every couple of years, suggesting the next major iteration could align with the iPad Pro M6, possibly featuring a vapor chamber cooling system in 2027.
The Bottom Line
For those already owning the M4 iPad Pro, the leap to the M5 may not be necessary unless your work specifically benefits from the enhanced AI and graphics capabilities. However, if you are still using an older model, the M5 represents a significant upgrade in terms of performance and connectivity.
While the iPad Pro M5 is a strong contender in the tablet market, many potential buyers may be more interested in the long-term roadmap. Given the current landscape, if your needs aren't immediate, waiting for the rumored M6 with its potential cooling advancements could be worthwhile, particularly if thermal management is a priority in your use case.