Apple's 2025 iPad Pro with the M5 chip delivers a refreshed internal design focused on processing power and RAM, while retaining the slim form factor of its predecessor. Reviews highlight modest performance gains and enhanced multitasking via iPadOS 26, though many question its necessity for typical tablet use. Starting at $999, the device targets professionals but overlaps significantly with the more affordable iPad Air.
The M5 iPad Pro, released in 2025, represents a chip refresh for Apple's flagship tablet, maintaining the external design introduced with the M4 model in 2024. This includes the first OLED display for iPads, a thinner and lighter build, and compatibility with the same accessories like the Magic Keyboard, priced at $299 for the 11-inch and $349 for the 13-inch versions. Pricing starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch, with higher storage options unlocking premium features such as the nano-texture display add-on for $700 on 1TB and 2TB configurations.
Key internal updates include the M5 chip, offering four high-performance CPU cores and up to 10 GPU cores in top models, paired with a 16-core Neural Engine. Base 256GB and 512GB models now feature 12GB of RAM, a 50% increase from the previous 8GB, while 1TB+ versions retain 16GB. Benchmarks show 10-15% improvements in single- and multi-core CPU tasks and 15-30% in graphics, with one test indicating 35% GPU gains. However, the fanless design limits peak performance compared to the actively cooled M5 MacBook Pro.
iPadOS 26 enhances usability with windowed apps, allowing resizing, split-screen, and background tasks, making the tablet feel more desktop-like. New connectivity includes the Apple C1X modem for 5G and N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Fast charging supports 0-50% in 35 minutes using 60W+ USB-C adapters, with battery life rated at 10 hours of Wi-Fi or 9 hours cellular usage. Reviews note faster AI tasks, like image generation in 7 seconds versus 13 on the M4, but everyday use shows little difference.
Critics argue the hardware exceeds iPadOS needs, with one stating, "this is great hardware that is much faster than it needs to be for anything the iPad does." The single USB-C port remains a drawback for pro workflows, and many recommend the iPad Air for similar experiences at lower cost. Still, for intensive tasks like 4K video editing in DaVinci Resolve or AI in Lightroom, the M5 provides a slight edge, positioning it as future-proofing amid evolving software demands.