Apple’s latest M5 iPad Pro is being hailed as the company’s most powerful tablet yet, even if its familiar design leaves some reviewers wishing for more. With the new M5 chip, faster connectivity, and iPadOS 26 bringing a true multi-window experience, the iPad Pro feels closer than ever to replacing a laptop. But with prices starting at $999 and climbing quickly with accessories, critics agree it’s a device built for creative professionals — not casual users.
Performance and design
According to Julian Chokkattu of WIRED, the M5 iPad Pro “feels more capable than ever, thanks to drastic changes in iPadOS 26.” He scored it 9/10, praising how windowed apps and background tasks make it finally feel like a true work machine. “Few will really need and appreciate the power gains of the M5,” he wrote, “but if money is no object and you want the best slate that excels in every category, from entertainment to work, there’s not much competition at this level.”
Scott Stein from CNET echoed that sentiment, calling the new iPad Pro “closer than ever to the future Mac.” He praised the M5’s “blazing speed” and the iPadOS 26 multitasking overhaul, noting how the interface now feels “significantly more Mac-like.” However, he added that it still “lacks some pro tools found on Macs” and said the browser experience “still feels weird.” CNET gave it an overall score of 8.8/10, crediting the combination of power, OLED display, and improved multitasking for transforming the Pro’s appeal.
Eric Zeman of PCMag described the M5 iPad Pro as “the tablet to beat for creative professionals.” Awarding it an Excellent 4.0 rating, he wrote, “Apple’s M5-powered iPad Pro offers more power than most people probably need, but its unmatched performance and premium features make it the tablet to beat.” Zeman noted that while the design is largely unchanged, the device’s “lightweight frame, stunning Ultra Retina XDR display, and powerful M5 chip” make it the clear Editors’ Choice for high-end users.
Over at Engadget, Nathan Ingraham gave the iPad Pro M5 an 85/100, calling it “perhaps the most impressive piece of hardware Apple sells.” He pointed out that “the M5’s GPU and AI performance are significantly improved,” especially for creative apps. “The iPad Pro remains spectacularly powerful,” he said, “but its high price continues to make it a luxury for most people.”
Finally, Tony Polanco of Tom’s Guide wrote that the M5 “might not be a revolutionary upgrade, but it’s still one of the best tablets out there.” He praised the tablet’s “strong M5-driven performance, gorgeous OLED panel, and long-lasting battery life,” though he warned that peripherals like the Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro “make it cost even more.”
iPadOS 26 brings desktop-like multitasking
Nearly every reviewer agreed that iPadOS 26 is what makes this generation stand out. The update introduces window resizing, a menu bar, an improved Files app, and the ability to run tasks in the background — bridging the gap between tablet and laptop workflows.
Julian Chokkattu described the experience as “fluid to operate, thanks to the interface changes,” adding that he could finally “work faster than ever before on an iPad.” Scott Stein similarly noted that “the multi-window workflow feels more natural, and I’m working on it as I write these words.”
Nathan Ingraham observed that Apple has “finally addressed nearly every big software complaint users have had.” He called iPadOS 26 a turning point that “makes the iPad Pro feel as close as it’s ever been to a full computer.”
Display, connectivity, and battery life
The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display remains a major highlight across all reviews. “It’s one of the best screens I’ve ever seen,” said Tony Polanco, adding that “the iPad Pro’s OLED panel is eye candy of the highest order.”
Eric Zeman described the screen as “fantastically bright and sharp, generating deep contrast,” with brightness hitting up to 1,600 nits (HDR). Reviewers also pointed to the four-speaker audio system as among the best on any tablet.
Connectivity sees notable upgrades too. The iPad Pro M5 features Apple’s new C1X modem for faster 5G and an N1 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Zeman’s testing recorded “blazing 815Mbps 5G speeds and up to 731Mbps on Wi-Fi,” a clear improvement over the M4 model.
Battery performance remains solid. Julian Chokkattu reported using the tablet “for a full workday and still having 39 percent left by 4 pm,” while Tom’s Guide clocked over 13 hours in continuous web browsing — surpassing both the previous iPad Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. Fast charging finally arrives, with a 50% charge in about 35 minutes using a 60W adapter.
Where it still falls short
Despite universal praise for its hardware, the M5 iPad Pro isn’t without drawbacks. Reviewers consistently noted its high accessory costs, with the Magic Keyboard priced at $299 for the 11-inch and $329 for the 13-inch, and the Apple Pencil Pro costing another $129.
Nathan Ingraham cautioned that “to truly use the iPad Pro as a MacBook replacement, you’ll have to spend at least $1,648.” Scott Stein added that while performance is impressive, “you can get a MacBook Air for the same price — with more flexibility.”
Others pointed to the tablet’s single USB-C/Thunderbolt port and its lack of water resistance. “The iPad’s design is fully mature at this point,” said Zeman. “It’s time Apple finds ways to expand functionality rather than just thinness.”
Verdict
The iPad Pro M5 doesn’t reinvent Apple’s tablet lineup, but it perfects the formula. Every reviewer agrees that the combination of M5 power and iPadOS 26 makes this the closest iPad has come to true desktop computing.
As WIRED’s Julian Chokkattu put it, “If money is no object and you want the best slate that excels in every category, there’s not much competition at this level.” But if you’re not a creative pro, the consensus is clear — the iPad Air or a MacBook Air will deliver better value.
