Apple has announced the new iPad Pro powered by the M5 chip, marking a major step forward in performance and on-device AI capabilities. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models, the new iPad Pro features a thinner design, Ultra Retina XDR display, faster storage, and the debut of Apple’s N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Pre-orders start today, with availability beginning October 22.
According to Apple, the M5 chip represents “the next big leap in AI for iPad,” offering up to 3.5x faster AI performance compared to the M4 model and up to 5.6x faster than the M1 version. The 10-core GPU features a Neural Accelerator in each core, dramatically improving performance for tasks like on-device image generation in Draw Things and video masking in DaVinci Resolve. The M5’s 16-core Neural Engine also powers Apple Intelligence features, including Image Playground and Live Translation in iPadOS 26.
In addition to AI gains, the M5 delivers up to 6.7x faster 3D rendering and 6x faster video transcoding than the M1. Its 10-core CPU includes four performance and six efficiency cores, claimed to be the fastest in the world. Professionals will benefit from these boosts, especially in design, architecture, and media workflows.
The new iPad Pro also improves memory and multitasking with 150GB/s unified memory bandwidth, up to 2x faster storage speeds, and 12GB of unified memory in base configurations. Fast charging enables a 50% charge in about 30 minutes when paired with Apple’s new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.
On the connectivity front, the cellular versions feature Apple’s C1X modem for up to 50% faster cellular data and better efficiency. The N1 networking chip adds support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread for improved performance and reliability across wireless features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot.
Design-wise, the iPad Pro remains Apple’s thinnest tablet ever at 5.1mm for the 13-inch model. The Ultra Retina XDR display with tandem OLED technology delivers 1000 nits full-screen brightness and 1600 nits peak HDR, with a new nano-texture glass option to reduce glare. External display support now includes up to 120Hz refresh rates and Adaptive Sync for smoother motion.
iPadOS 26 brings a complete interface redesign featuring the new Liquid Glass aesthetic, an improved Files app with default app support, and a new windowing system that enhances multitasking. The update also adds Apple Intelligence-powered features such as smarter Reminders and intelligent Shortcuts.
Accessory support remains strong with the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Magic Keyboard featuring a function row and aluminum palm rest. Environmentally, the new iPad Pro includes 30% recycled materials by weight and uses 100% recycled aluminum and cobalt.
The 11-inch iPad Pro with M5 starts at $999 (Wi-Fi) and $1,199 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), while the 13-inch version starts at $1,299 and $1,499 respectively. Education pricing starts at $899 and $1,199. Apple Pencil Pro costs $129, and the Magic Keyboard starts at $299. The new iPad Pro is available to pre-order now via Apple’s online store.
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