Apple announced the iPad Pro with M5 on October 15, 2025, and the tablet reached stores on October 22, 2025. The new model looks the same as the M4 model from the outside, so the changes sit inside the case and in the software. The M5 chip brings faster AI and graphics work, the base models get more memory, storage runs faster, and two new Apple chips handle wireless and cellular connections. Fast charging and iPadOS 26 round out the update. This guide explains each change, with the launch price and the checks that matter before you buy.
iPad Pro M5 at a glance: what changed
Apple announced the iPad Pro with M5 on October 15, 2025, and it reached stores on October 22, 2025. The design stayed the same, while the chip, memory, storage speed, wireless chips, charging and software changed. The 11-inch model started at $999 at launch, and the 13-inch model started at $1,299.
Apple introduced the new iPad Pro in a press release, with no launch event. Preorders opened on October 15, 2025, and the tablet began arriving to customers and reaching Apple Store locations on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Apple The tablet comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, in silver and space black, with storage of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB. Apple
The launch price for the 11-inch Wi-Fi model was $999, and the Wi-Fi plus Cellular model was $1,199. The 13-inch Wi-Fi model was $1,299, and the Wi-Fi plus Cellular model was $1,499. Apple Those are launch prices from Apple, and the current price was not verified for this article, so check the Apple Store price before you buy. The 11-inch model started at $899 with education savings, and the 13-inch model started at $1,199 with education savings. Apple
Notebookcheck described the update as a refinement of the M4 model, with the design almost unchanged and most of the upgrades on the inside. Notebookcheck
The M5 chip and AI performance
The M5 chip is the main change. Apple says it gives up to 3.5 times the AI performance of the M4 model and up to 5.6 times the AI performance of the M1 model. It has a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core and a faster 16-core Neural Engine for on-device AI work.
The M5 chip has up to a 10-core CPU, with four performance cores and six efficiency cores. Apple The core count depends on storage. Models with 256GB or 512GB of storage have a 9-core CPU with three performance cores and six efficiency cores, while models with 1TB or 2TB of storage have the full 10-core CPU. Cult of Mac
Apple puts the AI gain at up to 3.5 times faster than the M4 model and up to 5.6 times faster than the M1 model, for tasks such as image generation and AI video masking in apps like Draw Things. Apple The 10-core GPU has a Neural Accelerator in each core, and the faster 16-core Neural Engine handles on-device AI with less energy use. Apple
Independent testing found a smaller CPU gain than the AI figures suggest. Cult of Mac recorded a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 15,651 on the 9-core model, which is a 16 percent improvement over the M4 iPad Pro, and a score of 16,116 on the 10-core model. Cult of Mac The same review found a 6 percent gain in Geekbench AI over the M4 model. Cult of Mac
Graphics, video and 3D rendering
Graphics work runs faster on the M5 iPad Pro. Apple says 3D rendering with ray tracing in Octane X is up to 1.5 times faster than the M4 model and up to 6.7 times faster than the M1 model. Video transcoding in Final Cut Pro for iPad is up to 1.2 times faster than the M4 model.
The M5 chip has a third-generation ray-tracing engine, which Apple says gives more realistic lighting, reflections and shadows in games and 3D apps. Apple Apple says the new iPad Pro gives up to 6.7 times faster 3D rendering with ray tracing in Octane X than the M1 model, and up to 1.5 times faster than the M4 model. Apple
Video work also runs faster. Apple says video transcoding in Final Cut Pro for iPad is up to 6 times faster than the M1 model and up to 1.2 times faster than the M4 model. Apple AI image generation in Draw Things is up to 4 times faster than the M1 model and up to 2 times faster than the M4 model, and AI video upscaling in DaVinci Resolve is up to 3.7 times faster than the M1 model and up to 2.3 times faster than the M4 model. Apple
Benchmarks back up the graphics gain. Cult of Mac recorded a Geekbench 6 Metal score of 74,125 for the M5 iPad Pro, which is a 36 percent gain over the M4 model and 123 percent faster than the M1 model. Cult of Mac
Memory and storage speed
The base models now start with 12GB of unified memory, which is 50 percent more than before. The 1TB and 2TB models still have 16GB. Memory bandwidth is over 150GB/s, and Apple says storage read and write speeds are up to two times faster than the M4 model.
The memory change is easy to miss, and it matters for daily use. Apple says the 256GB and 512GB models start with 12GB of unified memory, which is 50 percent more than before, while the 1TB and 2TB models have 16GB. Apple Cult of Mac called the extra memory one of the best parts of the update, and noted that it helps when switching between large apps, because pages and images stay loaded instead of reloading. Cult of Mac
Memory bandwidth is over 150GB/s, which Apple says is a nearly 30 percent increase over the prior model. Apple Apple also says storage read and write speeds are up to two times faster than the M4 model. Apple
Testing found the storage gain in real use. Cult of Mac moved a 10.75GB test file onto the M5 iPad Pro in 4 seconds, down from 8 seconds with the M4 model, and moved the same file to an external SSD in 4.5 seconds, down from 14 seconds with the M4 model. Cult of Mac
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and the N1 chip
The N1 chip is new to iPad Pro, and it adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Apple says it gives better performance on 5GHz networks and improves Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. The change matters most to buyers who already have a Wi-Fi 7 router at home or at work.
The N1 chip is a wireless networking chip designed by Apple, and it is the first time Apple has put its own wireless chip in an iPad Pro. Apple It enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread on the tablet. Apple Wi-Fi 7 is the newest Wi-Fi standard, and it can carry more data with better reliability than Wi-Fi 6, but it only helps when the router and the network also support it.
Apple says N1 brings better performance when connected to 5GHz networks, and it improves the performance and reliability of Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. Apple Cult of Mac tested the tablet without a Wi-Fi 7 router and found no drop in Wi-Fi performance against the M4 model, and in some tests the M5 model was faster. Cult of Mac
Thread is the third part of the N1 chip, and it is for smart home devices. Thread lets the tablet talk to Thread devices such as smart locks and sensors, which can help in a home with many connected devices. Apple
Cellular data and the C1X modem
Cellular models now use the C1X modem, which Apple designed. Apple says it gives up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance than the M4 model, with up to 30 percent less energy use for active cellular users. Cellular models also have GPS, and they use eSIM with no physical SIM slot.
The C1X modem is the second new Apple chip in the tablet, and it is only in cellular models. Apple Apple says it gives up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance than the M4 model, and for active cellular users it uses up to 30 percent less energy than the M4 model. Apple Notebookcheck reported the same figures, and noted that the C1X modem first appeared in the iPhone Air before reaching the iPad Pro. Notebookcheck
Cellular models also carry GPS and location features, so users can navigate with more confidence away from Wi-Fi. Apple The tablet supports 5G, and it uses eSIM to add a plan, with no physical SIM slot. Apple
Cult of Mac could not test the C1X modem, because its review tablet had no cellular connection, and the reviewer used an iPhone 17 as a hotspot instead. Cult of Mac That means the 50 percent cellular gain is still an Apple claim, not a tested result in that review.
Battery life and fast charging
Battery life is the same as the M4 model on paper, at up to 10 hours of web use on Wi-Fi or video playback, and up to 9 hours on cellular. The real change is charging speed. Apple says the M5 model can reach up to a 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes with a high wattage USB-C adapter.
Apple estimates up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video, and up to 9 hours of surfing the web using cellular data, for the 11-inch Wi-Fi plus Cellular model. EveryMac Those figures match the M4 model.
Fast charging is the change that matters here. Apple says the tablet supports fast charge, giving up to a 50 percent charge in around 30 minutes with an optional high-wattage USB-C power adapter, such as the new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. Apple That adapter costs $39 in the United States, and it is sold separately. Apple
Testing showed the fast charge gain in practice. Cult of Mac used a third-party charger and a USB-C power meter, and found the tablet took in more than 50W, while the M4 model topped out at about 35W. Cult of Mac The battery level rose from 3 percent to 55 percent in exactly 30 minutes with that setup. Cult of Mac
Design and the Ultra Retina XDR display
The design did not change. The 11-inch model is 5.3 mm thin, and the 13-inch model is 5.1 mm thin, in silver and space black. The Ultra Retina XDR display is the same tandem OLED panel, with 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR.
The tablet keeps the same thin and light body as the M4 model. The 11-inch model is 5.3 mm thin, and the 13-inch model is 5.1 mm thin. Apple The 11-inch model weighs 0.98 pounds, and the 13-inch model weighs 1.28 pounds, according to Cult of Mac. Cult of Mac
The display is the same Ultra Retina XDR panel as the M4 model. Apple Apple lists 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content, and 1,600 nits peak brightness for HDR. Apple The 13-inch display has a resolution of 2,752 by 2,064 pixels, and the 11-inch display has 2,420 by 1,668 pixels, both at 264 pixels per inch. Cult of Mac
Two display details are new or worth noting. The tablet can now drive external displays at up to 120Hz, with Adaptive Sync for lower latency, which helps video editing and gaming on a large monitor. Apple A nano-texture display glass option is still available for less glare, but only on the 1TB and 2TB models, and it costs $100 more than the standard glass, according to EveryMac. EveryMac
iPadOS 26, cameras and accessories
iPadOS 26 ships on the M5 iPad Pro, with a new Liquid Glass design, a windowing system, a menu bar, a stronger Files app and the Preview app for PDFs. Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard still work with it, and the cameras and Face ID are unchanged from the M4 model.
iPadOS 26 is the software change that most owners will notice first. Apple says it brings a new design with Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, plus a windowing system that lets users control, organize and switch between apps. Apple The Preview app comes to iPad for viewing and editing PDFs, with Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill. Apple
Apple Intelligence is part of iPadOS 26, with Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages, intelligent actions in Shortcuts, and automatic categorization in Reminders. Apple
The cameras are unchanged. The tablet has a 12 megapixel Wide rear camera that shoots 4K video, and a 12 megapixel landscape front TrueDepth camera that shoots 1080p video and supports Center Stage and Face ID. EveryMac Apple Pencil Pro costs $129, Apple Pencil with USB-C costs $79, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard costs $299, and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard costs $349. Apple
iPad Pro M5 compared with iPad Pro M4, price and who should buy
The M5 model is a speed and connectivity update, not a new design. It is a clear step up from the M1 and M2 models, and a smaller step from the M4 model. M4 owners can wait, while M1 owners who use the tablet for heavy work will see the largest gain.
The M4 model and the M5 model share the same thin body, the same Ultra Retina XDR display, the same cameras and the same single Thunderbolt port. Apple The M5 model changes the chip, the memory on base models, the storage speed, the wireless chips, the cellular modem, the charging speed, the external display refresh rate and the software. Apple
The price at launch was the same as the M4 model. The 11-inch model started at $999, and the 13-inch model started at $1,299, which Cult of Mac noted were the same prices as the M4 model. Cult of Mac The current price was not verified for this article, so check the Apple Store before buying.
Buyers with an M1 iPad Pro from 2021 will see the largest gain, with faster AI work, faster graphics, more memory, faster storage and the new iPadOS 26 multitasking. Apple Buyers with an M4 model should check one thing first. If they move large files often, work on cellular data, or want faster charging and Wi-Fi 7, the M5 model helps. If none of those apply, the M4 model still does the same work with the same display.
Frequently asked questions
When was the iPad Pro M5 released?
Apple announced the iPad Pro with M5 on October 15, 2025, and it reached stores on October 22, 2025. Preorders opened on the announcement day. Apple
How much does the iPad Pro M5 cost?
The 11-inch Wi-Fi model started at $999 at launch, and the 13-inch Wi-Fi model started at $1,299. The cellular models started at $1,199 and $1,499. The current price was not verified for this article, so check the Apple Store before buying.
What is new in the M5 chip?
The M5 chip has up to a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU with a Neural Accelerator in each core, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple says AI performance is up to 3.5 times faster than the M4 model and up to 5.6 times faster than the M1 model. Apple
Does the iPad Pro M5 have Wi-Fi 7?
Yes. The N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Apple says it gives better performance on 5GHz networks and improves Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. Apple
How long does the iPad Pro M5 battery last?
Apple estimates up to 10 hours of web use on Wi-Fi or video playback, and up to 9 hours of web use on cellular data. It also supports fast charging to up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes with a high wattage USB-C adapter. Apple
Is the iPad Pro M5 design different from the M4 model?
No. The 11-inch model is 5.3 mm thin, and the 13-inch model is 5.1 mm thin, in silver and space black, with the same Ultra Retina XDR display. The changes are inside the tablet and in the software. Apple
Should M4 iPad Pro owners upgrade to the M5 model?
Most M4 owners can wait. The M5 model is a better buy for owners of M1 or older models, and for buyers who move large files, work on cellular data, or want faster charging and Wi-Fi 7. Check the storage size, the current price and the accessories before ordering.
Sources
- Apple Newsroom, Apple introduces the powerful new iPad Pro with the M5 chip: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/10/apple-introduces-the-powerful-new-ipad-pro-with-the-m5-chip/
- Notebookcheck, Apple’s new iPad Pro with M5 chip starts at $999, adds 50% more memory, faster charging, and in-house C1X modem: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-s-new-iPad-Pro-with-M5-chip-starts-at-999-adds-50-more-memory-faster-charging-and-in-house-C1X-modem.1139054.0.html
- Cult of Mac, M5 iPad Pro review: 7 game-changing improvements: https://www.cultofmac.com/reviews/m5-ipad-pro-review-improvements
- EveryMac, Apple iPad Pro M5 11-inch (Wi-Fi+Cell) specs: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/specs/apple-ipad-pro-m5-11-inch-2025-a3358-wifi-cellular-specs.html
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