Apple introduced the new iPad Pro with the M5 chip in Cupertino, California, designed for enhanced AI performance, faster connectivity, and a new operating system, with pre-orders beginning today and availability on October 22. The device features a next-generation Apple silicon processor, which delivers a substantial increase in artificial intelligence capabilities and overall power within the established ultraportable design of the iPad Pro.
John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, stated, “Powered by the next generation of Apple silicon, the new iPad Pro delivers our most advanced and versatile iPad experience yet. iPad Pro with M5 unlocks endless possibilities for creativity and productivity — with a huge leap in AI performance and a big boost in graphics, superfast wireless connectivity, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, it pushes the boundaries of what iPad can do yet again.” The announcement highlighted that the performance and feature improvements over previous models, particularly those with the M1 chip, make the current release a notable upgrade opportunity for existing users.
The M5 chip serves as the centerpiece of the new iPad Pro, continuing Apple’s strategy of using its own silicon to differentiate its products through performance, power efficiency, and integrated technologies. The chip is engineered to significantly advance the device’s AI capabilities, featuring a more advanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Central Processing Unit (CPU), along with a faster Neural Engine. This focus on AI is designed to accelerate a wide range of on-device tasks. Examples provided include diffusion-based image generation within applications such as Draw Things and the execution of AI-driven video masking in professional software like DaVinci Resolve.
A key architectural change in the M5 chip is its 10-core GPU, which introduces a new design that integrates a Neural Accelerator within each of its cores. This configuration results in a substantial increase in GPU performance, specifically for workloads that leverage artificial intelligence. The AI performance of the M5 is quantified as being up to 3.5 times faster than the preceding M4 chip and up to 5.6 times faster than the M1 chip found in earlier iPad Pro models. The faster 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for energy-efficient performance for on-device AI tasks, making it suitable for applications that utilize the Foundation Models framework and for powering system-level Apple Intelligence features, such as image creation in Image Playground.
Beyond AI-specific enhancements, the M5 chip delivers next-level performance across general computing and graphics tasks. It incorporates a third-generation ray-tracing engine, a technology that enables more realistic rendering of lighting, reflections, and shadows in digital scenes. This makes the M5-equipped iPad Pro particularly well-suited for visually intensive applications and high-fidelity gaming. The 3D rendering performance with ray tracing is reported to be up to 1.5 times faster than the previous-generation iPad Pro with the M4 chip. When compared to the iPad Pro with the M1 chip, the rendering performance is up to 6.7 times faster, a significant uplift for professionals in fields that rely on complex visualizations.
The CPU within the M5 chip features up to 10 cores, configured with four performance cores for intensive tasks and six efficiency cores for handling background processes and less demanding operations while conserving power. This CPU is described as the world’s fastest CPU core. The performance of this faster CPU is beneficial for a diverse range of users. For instance, graphic designers working with complex vector graphics in applications like Adobe Illustrator can expect smoother performance. Architects who frequently multitask between design software like SketchUp and annotation tools like Morpholio Trace will experience a more fluid workflow. Business users who need to quickly launch and access large files across multiple applications will also benefit from the improved processing speed.
To provide specific metrics of these performance gains, Apple released several benchmarks comparing the new M5-powered iPad Pro to its predecessors. In the area of 3D rendering, performance in the application Octane X shows an improvement of up to 6.7 times with ray tracing when compared to an iPad Pro with an M1 chip. Compared to the more recent iPad Pro with an M4 chip, the M5 model is up to 1.5 times faster in the same task. This metric underscores the impact of the new ray-tracing engine and overall GPU architecture on professional visualization workflows.
For video professionals, the new iPad Pro offers substantial acceleration in post-production tasks. Video transcode performance within Final Cut Pro for iPad is up to six times faster when compared to an iPad Pro with an M1 chip. The gain over an iPad Pro with an M4 chip is up to 1.2 times. Transcoding, the process of converting video files from one format to another, is a common and often time-consuming task in video editing, and this speed increase can significantly reduce project turnaround times.
The device’s AI capabilities are further quantified through application-specific benchmarks. In the application Draw Things for iPad, AI image generation performance is up to four times faster than an iPad Pro with an M1 chip and up to two times faster than an iPad Pro with an M4 chip. This reflects the M5’s enhanced ability to handle the complex computations required for generative AI models directly on the device, allowing artists and designers to iterate more quickly.
Another AI-centric task, video upscaling, also sees a notable performance boost. Within DaVinci Resolve for iPad, AI video upscaling performance is up to 3.7 times faster than an M1-equipped iPad Pro and up to 2.3 times faster than an M4-equipped model. This feature uses AI algorithms to increase the resolution of video footage, and the accelerated performance allows for faster processing of high-resolution video projects.
To support the processing power of the M5 chip, the new iPad Pro includes enhancements to its memory and storage subsystems, which are designed to improve overall system speed and responsiveness. The unified memory bandwidth has been increased to over 150 GB/s, representing a nearly 30 percent increase compared to the previous generation. This higher bandwidth allows data to be moved more quickly between the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, which helps users multitask across a greater number of applications, process large AI models more efficiently, and play demanding games with smoother performance. In addition, the storage subsystem offers up to two times faster read and write speeds, reducing the time it takes to open large files and launch applications.
The base configurations of the new iPad Pro have also been upgraded. The 256 GB and 512 GB models now come standard with 12 GB of unified memory, which is 50 percent more than the previous base models. This increase in standard memory provides more headroom for complex workflows and multitasking, especially when used in conjunction with the new windowing system introduced in iPadOS 26. The device also adds support for fast charging, enabling it to reach up to a 50 percent charge in approximately 30 minutes when using a compatible high-wattage USB-C power adapter, such as Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max output.
The new iPad Pro introduces two new Apple-designed chips to enhance its connectivity capabilities. Cellular models are equipped with the C1X modem, a custom-designed cellular modem that delivers up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance compared to its predecessor. For active cellular users, the C1X modem is also more efficient, using up to 30 percent less power than the modem in the iPad Pro with M4. This combination of speed and efficiency is beneficial for users who rely on cellular connectivity for work or leisure while on the go. Cellular models also include GPS and location capabilities for navigation. With 5G support, users can maintain high-speed connections in various locations worldwide. The inclusion of eSIM technology allows for the quick and secure digital addition, connection, and transfer of cellular plans without a physical SIM card, a feature useful for frequent travelers and professionals working in the field.
For wireless networking, the new iPad Pro features the N1, a new Apple-designed wireless networking chip. The N1 chip enables support for the latest generation of wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The chip provides better performance when connected to 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks and improves the overall performance and reliability of system features that rely on wireless connections, such as Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
The design of the new iPad Pro maintains a focus on portability, offered in a thin and light chassis. The device is available in two finishes, space black and silver, and comes in two sizes. The 11-inch model measures 5.3 mm in thickness, while the 13-inch model is even thinner at 5.1 mm. A central feature of the device is its Ultra Retina XDR display, described as the world’s most advanced display. It uses a groundbreaking tandem OLED technology that combines the light from two OLED panels to deliver extreme brightness and precise contrast. The display supports 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness for both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR content. It also incorporates established Apple display technologies such as ProMotion, for adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz, and True Tone, which adjusts the display’s color temperature to match ambient lighting.
For professional users who work in color-managed workflows or challenging lighting conditions, an optional nano-texture display glass is available. This option involves precisely etching the glass at a nanometer scale to scatter ambient light, which reduces glare while maintaining image quality and contrast. The new iPad Pro also gains the ability to drive external displays at refresh rates up to 120 Hz, a feature targeted at creative workflows like video editing and at gaming. Complementing this, the device now supports Adaptive Sync for external displays. This technology synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the content, which provides the lowest possible latency and results in smoother motion with fewer perceived glitches, a benefit for low-latency applications like professional gaming.
The experience on the new iPad Pro is further defined by iPadOS 26, which introduces a new design philosophy and powerful features aimed at professional and creative users. The operating system features a new design language built around what Apple calls Liquid Glass, a translucent material effect that reflects and refracts its surroundings. This visual element is designed to react to user input and dynamically transform to bring greater focus to the user’s primary content. A completely new windowing system is introduced, designed to be powerful and intuitive, allowing users to control, organize, and switch between applications while maintaining the characteristic simplicity of the iPad interface. A new menu bar can be accessed with a simple swipe down from the top of the display or by moving a cursor to the top, providing quick access to an application’s available commands.
File management in iPadOS 26 is enhanced with a supercharged Files app. The app features an updated List view and new folder customization options. The introduction of folders in the Dock allows users to conveniently access downloads, documents, and other files from anywhere in the operating system. Users can also now set a default application for opening specific files or file types, streamlining workflows that involve multiple specialized apps. The Preview app, long a staple on macOS, comes to iPad as a dedicated application for viewing and editing PDFs, integrating powerful features like Apple Pencil Markup for annotations and AutoFill for forms.
iPadOS 26 also leverages the power of Apple silicon to unlock new capabilities for creative professionals. A new feature called Background Tasks allows intensive processes to run in the background without interrupting the user’s foreground activity. The operating system also provides more granular control over audio input and enables the ability to capture high-quality recordings directly on the device with a feature called local capture. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated across the operating system, delivering features like Live Translation within the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps. Other intelligent features include new actions in the Shortcuts app and the ability for the Reminders app to identify and automatically categorize relevant actions.
A range of advanced accessories is available to extend the versatility of the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) offer two options for illustrating, note-taking, and annotating documents. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro provides a laptop-like experience with a thin and light design that features a floating cantilever, a full function row, and an aluminum palm rest. The iPad Pro is also compatible with the Smart Folio, which attaches magnetically and supports multiple viewing angles for content consumption or typing.
Apple highlighted the environmental considerations in the design and manufacturing of the new iPad Pro, as part of its Apple 2030 plan to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by the end of the decade. The new device is made with 30 percent recycled content by weight. This includes the use of 100 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery. The manufacturing process across the supply chain utilizes 55 percent renewable electricity, such as wind and solar power. The device is designed for longevity with industry-leading software support and meets Apple’s standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. The packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and can be recycled.
Pre-orders for the iPad Pro with M5 began today through apple.com/store and the Apple Store app in 31 countries and regions, including the U.S. The device will begin arriving to customers and will be available in Apple Store locations and at Apple Authorized Resellers starting Wednesday, October 22. The 11-inch and 13-inch models will be available in silver and space black finishes with storage configurations of 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB.
The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 U.S. for the Wi-Fi model and $1,199 U.S. for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The larger 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299 U.S. for the Wi-Fi model and $1,499 U.S. for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Additional technical specifications, including pricing for the nano-texture glass option, are available on Apple’s website. Education pricing is available, with the 11-inch iPad Pro starting at $899 U.S. and the 13-inch model starting at $1,199 U.S.
Compatible accessories are priced separately. The Apple Pencil Pro is available for $129 U.S., with an education price of $119 U.S. The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for $79 U.S., or $69 U.S. with education savings. The Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro is $299 U.S. ($279 U.S. for education), and the version for the 13-inch model is $349 U.S. ($329 U.S. for education), both available in black and white finishes. The new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max is available for $39 U.S. The Magic Keyboard compatible with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air is also available, priced at $269 U.S. and $319 U.S. respectively, with corresponding education discounts.
Apple offers several programs for purchase and protection. AppleCare+ and AppleCare One provide service and support, including coverage for accidental damage like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24/7 support. Customers can also trade in their current iPad for credit toward a new one through the Apple Store online, the app, or at a physical retail location. For customers in the U.S., Apple Card Monthly Installments offer a payment plan at 0 percent APR, along with 3 percent Daily Cash back on the purchase.
