Apple has announced the latest generation of the iPad Pro with M5, bringing a substantial upgrade to processing power, graphics capabilities, and AI performance. The new tablet also introduces Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, faster storage, and an updated version of iPadOS that further blurs the line between tablet and laptop performance.
The device comes in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches, and retains Apple’s signature minimalist design. Both versions are thinner than before, measuring just 5.3 mm and 5.1 mm respectively, and are available in silver and space black finishes.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, said: “Powered by the next generation of Apple silicon, the new iPad Pro delivers our most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet.”
Key Specifications
- Chip: M5 with 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
- Display: Ultra Retina XDR with tandem OLED technology, ProMotion, and True Tone
- Brightness: 1,000 nits full-screen SDR/HDR, 1,600 nits HDR peak
- Memory Bandwidth: 150 GB/s (approx. 30% increase over previous generation)
- Unified Memory: 12 GB minimum on 256 GB and 512 GB models
- Storage Options: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread (via Apple N1 chip)
- Cellular (optional): C1X modem, up to 50% faster data and 30% lower energy use
- Charging: Fast charge support (50% in about 30 minutes with 40 W adapter)
- External Display Support: Up to 120 Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync
- Body Thickness: 5.3 mm (11-inch), 5.1 mm (13-inch)
- Color Options: Space black and silver
- OS: iPadOS 26
M5: The Next Leap in AI
The M5 processor introduces a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, designed to speed up AI-heavy workflows. Apple claims up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4 iPad Pro and 5.6x faster than the M1 model. This upgrade particularly benefits creative tasks such as AI-based image generation in Draw Things and AI video masking in DaVinci Resolve.
The new Neural Engine, with 16 cores, handles on-device machine learning more efficiently, aiding in AI-driven features such as image creation in Image Playground and smart automation tools in iPadOS 26.
Performance Gains
Apple reports significant performance improvements across multiple professional apps:
- Up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering with ray tracing in Octane X (vs. M1 model)
- Up to 6x faster video transcoding in Final Cut Pro for iPad (vs. M1)
- Up to 4x faster AI image generation in Draw Things for iPad (vs. M1)
- Up to 3.7x faster AI video upscaling in DaVinci Resolve for iPad (vs. M1)
The M5 also supports a new ray-tracing engine, offering more realistic lighting and reflections in games and rendering tasks.
Design and Display
The new iPad Pro continues Apple’s trend toward thinner, lighter designs while integrating the most advanced display ever in an iPad. The Ultra Retina XDR panel combines two OLED layers to achieve high brightness and deep contrast.
A nano-texture glass option is available for professionals working in bright or reflective environments, designed to reduce glare without compromising image quality.
iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 introduces a redesigned interface featuring a new translucent “Liquid Glass” aesthetic and a powerful windowing system that brings desktop-style multitasking to the tablet. A new menu bar provides easier access to app commands, while the Files and Preview apps have been upgraded to better handle file management and document editing.
Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI platform, expands across the OS, offering features like live translation, smart shortcuts, and improved contextual understanding in Messages and FaceTime.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Apple is launching several new and updated accessories alongside the iPad Pro. These include the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, which now features an aluminum palm rest and function row.
Apple also introduced a new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max, designed to enable faster charging for iPad and other Apple devices.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the new iPad Pro began today. The devices will be available in stores starting October 22.
- 11-inch Wi-Fi: $999
- 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,199
- 13-inch Wi-Fi: $1,299
- 13-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,499
Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $129, while Apple Pencil (USB-C) costs $79. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is available for $299 (11-inch) and $349 (13-inch).
Why It Matters for Creators
For photographers and video professionals, the M5 iPad Pro offers desktop-level power in a portable form. The faster GPU and AI acceleration make real-time rendering and image generation viable on-device, eliminating the need to offload work to a Mac or cloud system. Combined with iPadOS 26’s new multitasking and file management tools, the tablet continues to mature as a serious creative workstation.
The iPad Pro with M5 reinforces Apple’s position at the high end of the tablet market, blending advanced AI processing, improved display technology, and faster connectivity into a familiar, portable design. While the price remains premium, the performance gains and creative features may justify the cost for professionals seeking a lightweight yet powerful companion for photo, video, and design work.
1 Comment
I love my ipad and I use it for hours each day. However, it works well for content consumption only. There are so many small and large things wrong with the device that I find it useless for content creation. I don't edit photos or videos on it. Simple tasks like locating an imported file or renaming a photo are too complicated on the device. I don't see why Apple keeps upping the specs on a device that is best suited to watching Instagram and You Tube.