Apple has officially unveiled the new iPad Pro featuring the incredibly powerful M5 chip, marking a significant leap forward in tablet computing. The latest iPad Pro delivers unprecedented AI performance and processing power, positioning itself as the most advanced iPad experience ever created.
M5 chip: The next big leap in AI for iPad
The M5 chip represents Apple's most ambitious silicon advancement for iPad, featuring a next-generation GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core. This revolutionary architecture delivers:
- Up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to iPad Pro with M4
- Up to 5.6x faster AI performance than iPad Pro with M1
- A 16-core Neural Engine for energy-efficient on-device AI processing
- 10-core GPU architecture with massive AI workload improvements
The M5 chip accelerates demanding tasks like on-device diffusion-based image generation in apps like Draw Things and AI video masking in professional applications like DaVinci Resolve.
Unprecedented performance gains
Beyond AI capabilities, the M5 chip delivers remarkable performance improvements across all areas:
Graphics and rendering performance
- Up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing compared to M1 models
- Up to 1.5x faster rendering than the previous M4 generation
- Third-generation ray-tracing engine for realistic lighting and shadows
Professional workflow improvements
- Up to 6x faster video transcode performance in Final Cut Pro compared to M1
- Up to 4x faster AI image generation in creative applications
- Up to 3.7x faster AI video upscaling in professional video editing
Enhanced memory and storage capabilities
The new iPad Pro features significant improvements in memory and storage performance:
- Over 150GB/s unified memory bandwidth - nearly 30% increase over previous generation
- Up to 2x faster storage read and write speeds
- 12GB unified memory on 256GB and 512GB models (50% increase)
- Fast charging support - 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes
Revolutionary connectivity features
N1 wireless networking chip
The new Apple-designed N1 chip enables cutting-edge wireless technologies:
- Wi-Fi 7 support for faster wireless performance
- Bluetooth 6 connectivity
- Thread support for smart home integration
- Improved Personal Hotspot and AirDrop reliability
C1X cellular modem
Cellular models feature the new Apple-designed C1X modem:
- Up to 50% faster cellular data performance
- 30% less energy usage for active cellular users
- 5G cellular support with global connectivity
- eSIM technology for flexible plan management
Premium design and display technology
The iPad Pro maintains its incredibly thin and lightweight design:
- 11-inch model: Just 5.3mm thin
- 13-inch model: Even thinner at 5.1mm
- Available in space black and silver finishes
Ultra Retina XDR display
The world's most advanced display features:
- Tandem OLED technology for extreme brightness
- 1000 nits full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content
- 1600 nits peak HDR brightness
- ProMotion and True Tone technologies
- Nano-texture display option for reduced glare
- 120Hz external display support with Adaptive Sync
iPadOS 26: Game-changing software features
iPadOS 26 introduces revolutionary features that maximize the M5's capabilities:
- Liquid Glass design language - translucent interface that reacts to user input
- New windowing system for enhanced multitasking
- Menu bar functionality accessible via swipe or cursor
- Supercharged Files app with improved organization
- Preview app for iPad with Apple Pencil Markup support
- Background Tasks for creative professionals
- Enhanced Apple Intelligence with Live Translation
Professional accessories
Apple offers premium accessories to complement the iPad Pro experience:
- Apple Pencil Pro (\$129) - Advanced stylus with squeeze and haptic feedback
- Apple Pencil USB-C (\$79) - Versatile drawing and note-taking tool
- Magic Keyboard - Floating design with aluminum palm rest
- Smart Folio - Magnetic protection with multiple viewing angles
Environmental commitment
As part of Apple 2030's carbon neutral initiative, the iPad Pro features:
- 30% recycled content by weight
- 100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure
- 100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets
- 100% recycled cobalt in the battery
- 55% renewable electricity in manufacturing
Pricing and availability
iPad Pro pricing
- 11-inch Wi-Fi: Starting at \$999
- 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: Starting at \$1,199
- 13-inch Wi-Fi: Starting at \$1,299
- 13-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: Starting at \$1,499
Education pricing
- 11-inch: Starting at \$899
- 13-inch: Starting at \$1,199
Storage configurations
Available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations across both sizes.
Frequently asked questions
When can I buy the new iPad Pro with M5?
Pre-orders began October 15, 2025, with devices arriving to customers and appearing in Apple Store locations starting Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
How much faster is the M5 compared to previous generations?
The M5 delivers up to 3.5x faster AI performance than M4 and up to 5.6x faster AI performance than M1 models, with significant improvements in graphics rendering and professional workflows.
What makes the M5 chip special for AI tasks?
The M5 features a 10-core GPU with Neural Accelerator in each core and a 16-core Neural Engine, specifically designed to accelerate on-device AI workloads like image generation and video processing.
Does the new iPad Pro support external displays?
Yes, the iPad Pro can drive external displays at up to 120Hz and includes Adaptive Sync support for smoother gaming and creative workflows.
What connectivity improvements does the iPad Pro offer?
The iPad Pro features the new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, plus the C1X modem in cellular models for up to 50% faster cellular data performance.
The new iPad Pro with M5 represents Apple's most significant tablet advancement, combining unprecedented processing power with professional-grade features that push the boundaries of what's possible on iPad.
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